Review – 215 Ink’s Cobble Hill #1 and Southern Dog #1
Cobble Hill #1
Debuting at New York Comic Con by 215 Ink, Cobble Hill is a coming of age story about 17 year old, Samantha Charles whose parents mysteriously disappeared, making her the sole heir to her family’s fortune. Samantha might also be going a bit crazy as inanimate objects speak to her in cryptic messages which reveal dark secrets about the quiet and unassuming town of Cobble Hill.
Cobble Hill came off to me as a wonderful young adult tale with an interesting female lead, somewhat reminiscent of the television show Wonderfalls. Writer Jeremy Holt though makes the story enjoyable for more than just young tweens, as an adult male, I came away interesting and wanting to find out more about this world and mystery around Samantha’s parents disappearance.
The comic is more than just a mystery. Holt makes sure to keep in the teenage angst you’d expect, but that’s also needed to make the comic 1) realistic and 2) relate-able. Without that angst, you’d just have adults in a teenage setting, a boring set up and dull characters.
Selena Goulding‘s art is fantastic as well. These are teenagers that look like teenagers and the style fits the mystery setting that’s a part of the comic. A solid example of writer and artist matching well.
Cobble Hill sets up an interesting mystery I want to find out more about in a realistic setting that I can relate to. For fans of young adult books or Locke & Key, or those who want solid writing and art, do yourself a favor and check out Cobble Hill #1.
Story: Jeremy Holt Art: Selena Goulding
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Southern Dog #1
Rural noir is a great way to describe Southern Dog which also debuted at New York Comic Con. The story takes on racism in the South, an issue that caused numerous publishers to pass on the project, unlike 215 Ink who too the chance. Inspired by such films as Teen Wolf and Ginger Snaps, Southern Dog examines the unique complexities of race, love, and what it truly means to be a family in the Deep South.
The comic just dives into that controversy right away with scenes of the KKK and a lynching and then backs up a bit to find out what lead up to that point. Racism abounds though, while it’s clear the KKK and “Southern pride” are a big part of it, black students have issues with a white guy dating a black girl. Those dynamics are set up and explored in the first issue. I can’t wait to see what the next issues hold because of that.
Again, like Cobble Hill, writer Jeremy Holt sets up a solid mystery and places it in a familiar world. He’s researched this comic thoroughly and looked into the rise of hate groups in recent years. There’s a political tinge to this one, but it’s subtle.
Alex Diotto’s art is solid with a gritty look to it. Again, it’s a great match of writer and artist.
Southern Dog sets up a lot, with a very touchy subject. It’ll be interesting to see the growth in this series, especially compared to the series above. Again, it’s an absolute recommended buy and well worth checking out.
Story: Jeremy Holt Art: Alex Diotto Cover: Riley Rossmo
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Jeremy Holt provided a FREE copy of both to Graphic Policy for review.
