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Tony Fleecs, co-creating mastermind of Stray Dogs and its derivatives, and Dave Wachter, one of my current favorite artists (especially since his take on the Planet of the Apes), are doing a series 'Uncanny Valley' together.
What could go wrong?
Based on my reading experience of Uncanny Valley #1, absolutely nothing.
What always appeals to me most in Fleec’s stories is this very special vibe, this atmosphere that reminds me strongly of the movie experiences of my childhood and youth, i.e. the cinema of the 90s. They were characterized by a special warmth, jocularity, and leisureliness in their suspensefulness.
The story is told calmly, with a smile and a twinkle in the eye, taking time to build the story and get close to the characters.
Though despite the idyllic and homely atmosphere, there is an underlying sense right from the start that something is about to happen. And then something’s definitely about to happen.
This is also the case in this story about Oliver, a typical adolescent boy of 12 who searches for his place in his tiny world and tries to fit in. Somehow.
We readers get little subtle hints from Fleecs and Wachter early on that Oliver is not as typical as he might think.
Just like his mother, a single nurse, strong personality, loving and devoted mom, also hides more in her family tree than her son has yet learned.
Suddenly, and with full force.
I won’t tell you what exactly now.
Like all of Fleec’s stories, the adventure is most fun if you drop in without any teaser knowledge.
And Tony Fleecs and Dave Wachter make it very easy for us to drop in. Not least because of the brilliant artwork.
From the first panel, I dive in and the movie rolls, on paper and in my head.
With that special warmth and heartfelt, a charming sense of humor between smirking and laughing out loud, unexpected twists and rousing action.
What could go wrong?
Based on my reading experience of Uncanny Valley #1, absolutely nothing.
What always appeals to me most in Fleec’s stories is this very special vibe, this atmosphere that reminds me strongly of the movie experiences of my childhood and youth, i.e. the cinema of the 90s. They were characterized by a special warmth, jocularity, and leisureliness in their suspensefulness.
The story is told calmly, with a smile and a twinkle in the eye, taking time to build the story and get close to the characters.
Though despite the idyllic and homely atmosphere, there is an underlying sense right from the start that something is about to happen. And then something’s definitely about to happen.
This is also the case in this story about Oliver, a typical adolescent boy of 12 who searches for his place in his tiny world and tries to fit in. Somehow.
We readers get little subtle hints from Fleecs and Wachter early on that Oliver is not as typical as he might think.
Just like his mother, a single nurse, strong personality, loving and devoted mom, also hides more in her family tree than her son has yet learned.
Suddenly, and with full force.
I won’t tell you what exactly now.
Like all of Fleec’s stories, the adventure is most fun if you drop in without any teaser knowledge.
And Tony Fleecs and Dave Wachter make it very easy for us to drop in. Not least because of the brilliant artwork.
From the first panel, I dive in and the movie rolls, on paper and in my head.
With that special warmth and heartfelt, a charming sense of humor between smirking and laughing out loud, unexpected twists and rousing action.
Even if issue #1 is merely a glimpse and many questions remain unanswered - of course, they do - one thing is already clear: narratively and artistically, Uncanny Valley will be a gripping, heartfelt and damn funny declaration of love to popculture and the medium.
You can subscribe to the series at Walt's Comic Shop. Simply click HERE.
