Feathers #2
Archaia
Written by: Jorge Corona
Art by: Jorge Corona & Jen Hickman
Feathers #2 picks up where the first issue left off as Bianca and Poe avoid the guards and travel around the Maze. It’s a chance for them to get to know each other and their contrasting personalities are what helps make them endearing characters. Bianca, the adventurous and rebellious girl from the city and Poe, the cautious feathered boy who lives in the shadows of the Maze couldn’t be more different, but they balance each other terrifically. Her enthusiasm for exploring is infectious and his curiosity for what lies in the city leads to a deal. He’ll show her around the Maze if she’ll show him the city. Not a bad bargain for two kids who’ve been isolated in different ways.
Along the way, the pair helps a kid from being bullied and discover that Poe’s been mischaracterized as an evil ghost that kidnaps children. The Mice (orphaned kids that dwell in the Maze) have mistaken him for a truly evil figure we only glimpsed in issue one. In fact, is Poe not only not an evil ghost he may have descended from the legend of the White Guide as Bianca retold him the story. A winged guardian angel that helped guide the founders of the town with feathers that shined brightly in the night sky. Poe seemed enraptured by the tale and his self-esteem was renewed. But that was not the only lesson of the day.
Bianca encouraged Poe to let himself be seen and be proud of who you are even if were born with feathers. It’s an empowering scene that teaches a great lesson to kids, but really something we could all remember. This may be an all-ages book but to value oneself and take pride in who you are is timeless advice for any age.
You also won’t find a better-drawn book on the market. Jorge Corona does incredible work with tons of detail as he creates this semi-Gothic cityscape where Bianca and Poe must navigate capturing every eve and rooftop they step on. The cartoonish-ly designed characters have depth and texture, but so much of the dialogue is told in the facial expressions and eyes. Jen Hickman adds some subtle colors with occasional flashes of bright hues like the red coats of the guards.
With only four more issues to go, Feathers, is a fun and charming mini-series. Something adults and children could enjoy together.