As I mentioned a few weeks ago, comics are cutting the edges off conventionality to try something different. This time UK musician VV Brown is at the helm of a new graphic experience called The City of Abacus. The first issue is out on the streets but what makes Abacus noteworthy is the musical accompaniment. Each issue comes with Brown’s pop/punk/retro sound. The comic itself is also available digitally, but get your hands on a damn book would ya?
Brown and David Allain are behind the story while illustrator Emma Price fills in the images. The story is typical comic book faire, odd creatures, an evil monarchy, and an unfinished ending that continues in the next issue. City of Abacus’ seven issues speak of estrangement and being stuck in a world without freedom. Kinda like the one we’re in, except that people like Brown and crew try hard to get us out of the funk. The story of heroine Freeda offers a look at freedom, but more importantly, the fact that artists and writers out there are crossing boundaries and being creative, despite a reality television world where being famous is more important than being interesting, gives us an outline as to how to get out of the everyday and do what we love.