Borderliners Pilot Issue
Reviewed by R. Krauss
Borderliners Pilot Issue
Reviewed by R. Krauss
Created by Brian Gorman & Chris Harvey
Written & Drawn by Brian Gorman
Photography & Lettering by Chris Harvey
20 pages, including covers
3 pounds (including postage)
6.625" x 10.25", saddle-stitch binding
Website: http://www.unicocomics.co.uk/
Brian Gorman's Blog: http://fictionmaker.blogspot.com/
Unico Comics provides editorial input and publishing for an anthology title and also handles the production and distribution of some creator-owned books. Borderliners is an example of the latter.
The pilot issue launches the series with the opening chapter of the Ceremony of Innocence saga. It's a noirish sort of tale filled with mystery and espionage. Gorman and Harvey have created an intriguing underworld of secret operations and dangerous characters.
Judging by the credits and comments by the supportive pros who previewed the book before it's release, it looks as if the work is photographed and then turned into illustrations by Gorman. The results are very realistic renderings, with a look that's more than a one step removed from high-contrast photography. The deeply shadowed artwork is rich and textured; nicely capturing the tone of the sometimes harsh content. It's a great collaboration between Harvey, who must shoot the pictures with varying panel shapes in mind; and Gorman who works out the final layout and drawing.
For the most part this seems to be a spy story except for a short segment seemingly set in ancient times. Perhaps there's an element of science fiction or supernatural waiting for us just ahead in the next chapter.
If you're a fan of British spy stories, Borderliners may be just your cup of tea. Check out the book's preview on Unico's website for a taste of what's brewing.
Take A Look Inside
Reviewer Bio
R. Krauss reviews small press and mini comics on Midnight Fiction, Poopsheet Foundation and Comic Related.
Name: Richard Krauss
email: arkay@midnightfiction.com
Been reading comics: since I started reading Marvel comics in Junior High School.
Review Bio: After several years I discovered titles like Zap and Bijou at a headshop and was seduced by the freedom and variety they offered. When the new-wave comix era sprouted from the seeds of the undergrounds, I quickly joined the ranks of other struggling cartoonists with phenomenally low print runs. After almost a decade of small press comix, I retired and made a solemn vow never to return. Several years later the Internet happened and over time many of my favorite new-wave cartoonists got online. The bug bit again and I started exploring the new crop of small press cartoonists. Today's explosion of small press comics is more exciting than any time I've ever seen.
Favorites: Papercutter, Not My Small Diary, Slam Bang, Comic Eye, stuff from Main Enterprises and Weird Muse, to name a few.
Website: MidnightFiction.com
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