Sometimes, a comic gets by with an insanely imaginative premise, an idea that would never be given a chance in any other medium. That’s not “Ladycastle,” a comic which subverts a few key fairy tale tropes (mostly relating to gender), but otherwise tells a pretty conventional story about knights, wizards, dragons, and tournaments. Over four issues, “Ladycastle” presented its story with style, and lived or died on those stylistic choices.
Written by Delilah S. DawsonCover by Missy Pena
Illustrated by Becca Farrow
Colored by Rebecca Nalty
Lettered by Jim CampbellFINAL ISSUE! In order to free Gwyneff from an evil knight, a champion must win three challenges!
In order to assess a book like “Ladycastle,” we mainly have to look at the success of its creators. In that spirit, allow me a moment to wax philosophical about artist Becca Farrow. The designs in “Ladycastle” are top-knotch, from the Monty Python-esque Black Knight, to the titular hero’s head full of gorgon snakes, to the adorable little forest creatures attired in evil armor. Along with colorist Rebecca Nalty, the magical effects, and even the sometimes plain backgrounds, all have a life and vibrancy beyond what you would see in similar books.
More than that though, Farrow’s work is exquisite, from the biggest moments to the smallest details. Her characters all look different, and those differences are presented in body type, and body language, and facial expressions, and eyebrow grooming choices. Diversity is a word that gets thrown around, usually in regards to ethnicity, but Farrow captures all kinds of diversity through the extended cast of characters. I found myself marveling at the differences between the physiques of the doctor and the blacksmith, who with just a few strokes of the pen, have radically different builds.
Then there are the smaller and more basic choices Farrow and Nalty make to help the comic be more readable. An archery contest between the Black Knight and Ladycastle features arrows of different style, making the scene both dramatic, and easy to follow. The panels are mostly (but not always) on a grid, but it is hardly ever a simple six panel grid, often differentiating panel sizes for dramatic emphasis, which makes the comic more cinematic. Publishers all over should be finding projects for the Farrow/Nalty team, who seem capable, and possessing a rare verve that effortlessly stuffs every page full of joy.
The story, as I mentioned, is pretty simple. The bad guy knight has kidnapped Lady Castle’s squire, and there’s going to be a contest for her fate. The writing remains kid friendly, confident, and empowering, but sometimes feels as if it is there to support the art. That’s a shame because when it tries to be charming, it delivers. One sequence largely will hinge on your tolerance for Hamilton parodies, but objectively speaking, it’s a pretty good one.
Other than the Hamilton (“Ten Duel Commandments”) sequence, the twists are pretty well broadcast, and the gender subversion is pretty much what you’d expect (and hope) from a comic like this. The most shocking moment comes in the middle of the tournament, when Ladycastle has a moment of doubt, and it effectively raises the stakes, but once back on track, the antagonist is promptly sorted out.
Despite coming from Boom Studios, and not its young readers oriented imprint Kaboom, “Ladycastle” feels solidly aimed at an all readers audience. That’s not a mark of derision, quite the opposite. In the gritted-teeth world of dark revisionist superheroes, and the obvious political allegories mistaking cynical for meaningful, “Ladycastle” is refreshingly kind, upbeat, and obvious. It wears its heart on its sleeve, and doesn’t shy away from what it is. If you are looking for a fun tale of feminist knights and cute critters, you could do a lot worse than “Ladycastle.” You aren’t likely to find a prettier book.
Final Verdict: 7.6 – “Ladycastle” is fun, if a little predictable, but filled with totally gorgeous artwork.
