Rotten Roots Review & Ladies at Boston Comic Con 2016
Once again the Ladies of Comicazi will be joining the talented crew of Bad Kids Press at their table at Boston Comic Con this year. We'll be helping to sell books prints, and other fun goodies, so be sure to stop by, say hello, and consider picking up a few excellent independent comics. Not sure what to pick up? Well, they're all great! We've reviewed The Adventures of the GWF and Rapid City: Below Zero on the site in the past (hint, click the links to refresh your memories), and today I'll tell you all about Rotten Roots.
Written by Paul Axel and with art by Renee Majkut, Rotten Roots is the tale of the prominent Wood family of Osprey City, Massachusetts and the tragedy that hangs over them.
Part historical fiction, part police procedural, the story follows Detective Mark Robles, who's recently transferred to Osprey City from Chicago. He catches a pretty unusual case - Harold Wood, captain of industry and patriarch of one of the founding families of Osprey City, is found dead with rope burns around his neck and the diary of his ancestor, Daniel Wood, open before him. Also found at the scene is a note inscribed "Rotten roots bear rotten fruit." Robles quickly figures out that someone has it out for the Wood family - and wants to use their shady history to wreak vengeance on the entire extended Wood clan.
The story moves between past and present, weaving the modern mystery deftly into the tales of the Wood family's historical misdeeds. Along with the main mystery are hints that there are other secrets to uncover in Osprey City: Why did Detective Robles transfer there? What happened to his family? And why does the Lieutenant hate him so much? It's clear that these other outlying mysteries will come into play as the drama unfolds.
Majkut's dreamy watercolors suit the story well, particularly in the gorgeous maps of the city found in the backs of each book. The maps progress as the tale does, beginning with the Puritan settlement and presumably moving into the present day. It's clear that careful thought has been put into the world-building by the creative team. Majkut's backgrounds and detail work are also top notch, as evidenced by the final shot of book two, a real stunner.
My review is of the first 3 books of a planned 6 issue series, and it ended on a major cliffhanger, so I'm looking forward to seeing where it all leads (I have my suspects, of course, as any true mystery fan does.) Overall, this is a strong start to a series, and I can't wait to see where it goes.
Recommended for: History buffs, mystery buffs, anyone who wants to see what comics can do outside of superheroes and sci fi
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for - a chance to win tickets to Boston Comic Con. The lucky winner will get a pair of day passes - we recommend coming on Sunday, for our panel on Food and Fandom at 1 pm! Whatever day you choose, come find us at the Bad Kids Press tables, E1000-1003 in Artists Alley.
Speaking of Bad Kids Press, take a gander at their shop. Tell us which title you're most interested in checking out or artist you'd like to meet in the comments below, and we'll pick our lucky winner. Good luck!
Oh, and hey, are you watching the "Secret Worlds of Boston Comic Con" webseries? It features some familiar faces, places, and a great host in Wes Hazard. Don't miss it!