The Mire Review

rating: 5

From artist Becky Cloonan comes The Mire, a self-published creator owned one-shot. You may know Cloonan from her previous self-published comic The Wolves, or more recently issue 12 of Scott Snyder's Batman. Released in print last summer, The Mire is a new edition to Comixology Submit. Set in medieval times,This comic is the story of a squire and the knight that he serves. Rather than aiding his master in battle, the squire Aiden is sent on a messenger mission. Along the way he must pass through the Withering swamp, a dark bog where he must face not only the present danger, but the shadows of his past. The storytelling in The Mire is elegant, airing on the side or subtlety, as most of the dialogue is internal and pensive. The story is enthralling; the pacing never slows down, yet tit never feels rushed. The plot is complicated, but not convoluted; it takes real thought to fully understand it. The mark of a great one-shot comic is when it can create an emotional attachment to its characters in under 30 pages, and The Mire is completely successful in this. By the time you turn the last page, you will care what happens to Aiden. For those familiar with Cloonan's art, it should come as no surprise to hear that The Mire is drawn absolutely beautifully. If you have never seen her art, then this comic is a perfect point of entry. Becky Cloonan has a very unique style that can be recognized instantly. The painstakingly detailed line work in this black and white comic ads real depth and life to the characters and the world that they live in. She uses negative space in a way that few artists do, and the panels are put together perfectly. The Mire is an absolute must read. Even if you have no interest in the story, the art is not to be missed. Whether it be for her self-published books or her work for major publishers, Becky Cloonan is definitely a creator to keep an eye on.The Mire is available in print directly from the creator, or in digital form from Comixology.