Garen Ewing

It’s always irritating reading volume one of a work with no indication of when one may expect volumes two and three, and this is the chief drawback to my enjoyment of Gareth Ewing’s excellent Adventures of Julius Chancer series.

A graphic novel set in England in the 1920s, it features World War one veteran Julius Chancer, assistant to the rich antique collector Sir Alfred Catesby Grey: they become involved with the film star Lily Lawrence, her publicist Nathaniel Crumpole and her dad, show more Lord Reginald Lawrence.

To save Lord Lawrence’s estate from the hands of the mysterious villain Urkaz Grope, it is necessary for Julius to find the Rainbow Orchid, a mythical bloom, which will enable his lordship to win a flower show and thus save his family home.

Okay, so it might not be the most likely scenario but that’s hardly the point. Beautifully drawn in the ligne Claire style the graphics invariably call for comparison with Tintin and Ewing was admittedly influenced by Herge, right down to the meticulously rendered motor vehicles and architectural details.

I look forward to the next volumes in the series. show less

While I know a lot about the comics I grew up reading (mainly Marvel, DC, and a few indies and small press books), but I know very little about British or European comics, Japanese Manga, or many other genres and subgenres.

So when it comes to appreciating the work of Garen Ewing, specifically his lavishly illustrated series The Rainbow Orchid, I don't have the same touchstones and reference points that many reviewers rely on. But none of that really matters, because I love Garen's Ewing show more regardless.

Whereas others have compared Garen's work to the best of Hergé, I find instead a very British take on the kind of RKO serials that inspired Indiana Jones. A riproaring period adventure, rich in detail (both art and story) involving the globe-spanning search for a legendary orchid, packed with the kind of rogues, romantics and rapscallions you'd expect to meet in an old Bogart movie or a classic Conan Doyle novel. A comic for adults then, but one which might also be enjoyed by enjoying by discerning children.

Read the full review at my blog. show less

Fans of sumptuous, detailed artwork and rattling good yarns rejoice - Julius Chancer is back in the second thrilling episode of Garen Ewing's The Rainbow Orchid - available to order now. This time Julius's quest for that elusive flower takes him all the way to India where he has to contend with plane crashes, punch ups and the rare beauty of an angry maternal snow leopard*. It's all jolly good fun in the best European comics tradition: but it's more than just a homage or tribute to the show more adventures of Tin Tin and others you may recall from your misspent youth. It lives and breathes and stands proud on its own two feet - Garen's book deserves to win every award going for graphic novel artwork and storytelling.

Truly, if you don't like The Rainbow Orchid, you don't like life!

Read the full review at my blog show less

Glorious ligne claire mystery thriller displaying remarkable detail of 1920s imagery and language. The influence of Herge and Tintin is obvious but there is a more intellectual approach here displayed in the knowingly rich language made more complex by its concise presentation. Every aspect of this has been condensed to intensify the reader's experience.