Raven’s Children

(Susitna Mythographics, 2001-2003)
™ and © 2004 Layla Marie Lawlor

Some small-press efforts, like Carla Speed McNeil’s Finder, have enjoyed critical acclaim and modest success; more still have come and gone with little attention. The talent and persistence of the creators are typically what make the difference, but most ongoing small-press comics have one thing in common: Their beginnings are often pretty rough, because the creators are still learning their craft.

Lawlor’s comic book is such an example. Early issues showcased her struggles with basics like human anatomy, backgrounds, and lettering, but beneath all that shone obvious talent. And with each issue, the basics were honed bit by bit and her talent did, indeed, begin to surface—culminating with this issue, where Lawlor officially demonstrates that she’s one to watch.

What she demonstrates is a knack for visual designs and character interactions that seemed influenced by, but not derivative of, McNeil’s Finder. Lawlor’s world is one of warring tribes of nomads, but a canine-like creature named Patch leads some tribe members on a surprising journey. Even in the midst of a multi-issue story arc, her story is, not only easy to pick up on, but it’s immediately captivating, as well.

There’s still room for Lawlor to improve on things like facial anatomy, which she captures pretty well in some panels but not in others. But, for all its remaining shortcomings, it only gets better with each issue, and the time has come for fans to see it for themselves.

— Jim Johnson

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