William of Newbury #1 chronicles the exploits of the titular half (or full) crazy raccoon monk who wanders 12th century England exorcizing demons while dealing with less supernatural threats like pickpockets, bandits, and an abbot who cares more about coin than prayer or contemplation. (Some things never change.) Michael Avon Oeming handles script, art, and lettering duties on the comic and does a bang-up job crafting a world that is both horrifying, darkly hilarious, and occasionally cute because all the characters are anthropomorphized animals.
If I had to use one word to describe William of Newbury #1 and its lead character, it would be “unhinged”. After a three panel intro showing that the comic is set in a particularly lawless time of English history, Oeming throws readers right in the middle of the action as William attempts to cast out a demon from Lord Owain’s castle. The main narrative aim of this first issue is establishing William as a competent exorcist, who is a little unorthodox in his methods, and has even wilder demons in his backstory than a yellow-tinged weasel or a mourning, ghostly husband. Oeming creates some fun slapstick by having William jump around with his yellow tail while he says utterly serious prayers and easily bests the two spirits he faces in the book. Seriously, he beats the shit out of those wee ghosties! I also love the different palettes he uses for the ghosts that fits their nature from malevolent to sad or just downright menacing with all-caps illuminated manuscript style lettering in the word balloons.
Another theme that Michael Avon Oeming explores in William of Newbury #1 is the power of the written word. Early on, William falls in with some robbers, including Winnie, a mouse that understands land is more valuable than coin, especially in a feudal society. Because William can read and write, he ingratiates himself to Winnie, and they have a quid pro quo relationship that might not be as friendly as the raccoon monk thinks. But, overall, it’s super cool to see William write out a prayer to help put a grieving husband to rest and is a reminder that there was a time when most folks saw the written word as magic instead of just a daily part of our reality.
William of Newbury #1 is a unique perspective on one of the most tumultuous times in English history, and Michael Avon Oeming brings a heavy dose of chaotic energy in his visuals to offset his witty, at times even, deadpan humorous script. I mean, how can you resist a raccoon chanting prayers and expelling a weasel demon and then getting in arguments with a rabbit about finances of a “not for profit” religious institution.
Story/Art/Letters: Michael Avon Oeming
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
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