| |
|
Updates: Mon/Wed/Fri
Genre: Fantasy
Website: http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/
Story:
Gunnerkrigg Court centers around a girl who has recently transferred to a new school, which is itself not what it seems. The parents seem to routinely keep many secrets from the children, and out of the ordinary events, objects, and even people are actually common place for some. Things such as ghosts, minotaurs, and even gods can be found at this school. Much of the plot line follows the main character, Antimony, discovering the truth behind all the secrets.
Antimony, the star of the webcomic. She is new to the school, having previously lived with her mother in a hospital. She is burdened by a painful past.
Katerina (Kat), Antimony's best friend. Ingenious, young, and fairly innocent.
Reynardine, a demon who inhabits a toy of Antimony's. He has to do as Antimony says for now.
Gunnerkrigg's art is enjoyable because it melds and morphs to fit within the needs of the scene. Most times is is very well detailed, and during certain action sequences extremely well detailed, but it is just as likely to drop these details to add to a joke. Facial features can be full or completely absent in an almost anime like fashion. The choice of which to do when is always very well thought out, and the sudden shift in style of art is never detracting and almost always manages to elicit a laugh or a double take. Each page is fully colored with an almost pastel appearance that suits the story style very well. Panels are laid out in a jigsaw like fashion and it is not uncommon to see more than five panels in a single page.
Gunnerkrigg Court's strongest selling point is the story. It is compelling, keeps the reader guessing, and never fails to bring about a new twist. The jokes when present are spot on, and when appropriate left out. The reader is left with many questions of what might be, could be, and this has never become a nagging point but a reason to come back. The fact that much research has been put into this project also shows. From languages to mythos from all around real world that is incorporated into the story the sheer depth of this story is nearly staggering. The art itself is nice. It is not art that by any means should win awards, but it is well drawn and the style adds to the story very nicely. Shapes and proportions are believable, and character designs are easily recognizable. This is a webcomic that has something new to discover with each read through the archives.
Gunnerkrigg Court will soon be available in a hard cover published format for purchase. Follow the link to read more about it.