Review: Cindy and Biscuit – We Love Trouble GN
It is easy to dismiss the British comic scene as 2000AD, Judge Dredd and thats about it. To do so is as big a disservice as stating that comic book are all about superheroes! Behind the omni-present Tharg, there lies a wealth of comics be it the classic Commando books, newer anthologies and mainstays Beano and dandy. It it the latter two that serve as possible influences for Cindy and Biscuit, now collected in this new graphic novel from Oni Press.
Cindy, in her life, is known for being a bit weird possessing an overactive imagination which tends to leas to all sorts of, well…trouble. Her partner in her “not-her-fault crimes is the lovable and loyal Biscuit her faithful best friend. Between them, the pair take on monsters, aliens, horrors and the disappointments of life. Think Calvin and Hobbes perhaps, but with more monsters!
Dan White is the creator/writer/artist/colourer (of sorts) of the book. White has taken the chunky cartoon elements of books like the Beano and Dandy and throws in the aforementioned monsters and aliens. Behind all that horror are some real life monsters to deal with; loneliness, feeling different, failing to live up to other peoples expectations. Yet in Biscuit, White has given Cindy the a source of the kind of unconditional love that seems missing in her life. Biscuit is there and always will be for Cindy. The dialogue works well, is somewhat observational in tone and and actual words for many a childhood scamp; you can clearly understand everyone’s place and purpose in the various stories.
White’s art is tad traditional when it comes to Cindy and her classmates. White’s Biscuit is a paragon of love and attention, be it curled up on the couch or bed, munching on pizza or charging into battle. Each element carries a level of familiarity to anyone who has had a dog. The movement of the characters is pacy at times, thoughtful at others with a huge amount of creativity when it comes to wolfmen, aliens, monsters and different dimensions. The outrageous is tempered with the dull reality of Cindy’s day to day life. Jim Campbell keeps the “could be a kids comic” vibe going with a range of lettering covering the cast of characters and creatures.
I could debate whether the monsters that Cindy faces are part of a mental health condition or an extrapolation. of real life issues or even if they are real at all. Instead I am going to leave that up to you to decide, preferring to enjoy the trials and tribulations of a young girl disillusioned by life, with the love of her dog and best friend her only tangible joy.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Overall – 5 Stars
Written & Art by; Dan White
Letters by; Jim Campbell
Published by Oni Press Inc.
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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