She's a 400-year-old clockwork fairy in an uncaring modern world. She's Vögelein.
Randy:
I'm honestly not entirely certain how I missed this one, because it had all the
ingredients I would have found intriguing in a project. Fortunately for me, Jane Irwin sent review
copies of Vögelein #1 & 2 along for Don and I to peruse.
Don:
This black-and-white book boasts a quality that not many other comics can: it comes
off as new, different and fresh. And after two issues, it seems to be appropriate for a variety
of ages.
Vögelein #1-2
published by Fiery Studios Inc.
written &
illustrated by Jane Irwin
Don:
In a small, drafty apartment, an old man lies dying with no family, no lover at his
bedside. But he is not alone. That old man took care of a special little creature named Vögelein
(pronounced Pfeu-ge-line), and now she's without a keeper. She ventures out into the strange
world of today, encountering kindness from strangers and bitterness from a strange being not
unlike herself.
Randy:
Vögelein is a revelation, a story that has the same magic and sense of
wonder that Neil Gaiman brought to Sandman. Irwin's ideas in the first two issues of
Vögelein are fresh and enthralling, from the idea of a clockwork fairy who has passed from
guardian to guardian over the years to a fairy who has been darkened by living in the modern
world. Vögelein's journey is one of discovery less than distance, as she is forced out into the
world she has been hidden away from for about ten years, forced to find a new guardian and
discover that the world outside can be cruel... as well as kind.
Don:
Well, I don't see the comparison to Sandman to be honest, but I will agree
that this small-press books a great deal of strength. There's a quiet, serene tone to this book
(unlike Sandman's more foreboding atmosphere). At this early juncture, Irwin isn't
preoccupied with plot and instead gradually introduces and expands her cast of characters. That's
not a problem, though; Vögelein seems to be served well by the slow pace, and the peaceful
yet uncertain atmosphere envelops the reader.
Randy:
There's a magical viewpoint going on in Vögelein that I
found captivating. While there are certainly dangers about, including not only the "duskie" but
also the implied threat of what might happen if a curious but unscrupulous human got a hold of
her, Vögelein meets with a fair amount of kindness in her travels. Jay comes across as a quiet and
reserved, but not socially awkward, young man who may yet serve as a decent guardian to Vögelein,
and Ezrael is one of the most likable characters I've come across in any fiction for some time.
Vögelein herself is a mixture of naivete and a clear, sharp intelligence and independence, and
within a few silent pages of her plight in the first issue, I was hooked into the character's
dilemma.
Don:
Despite the title character's predicament, fear and confusion, there's an uplifting
tone to the story. We're set up to expect people to abuse or take advantage of Vögelein, but
instead, she's met with kindness, or at the worst, indifference. Irwin seems to be saying that
most people, at their core, are decent.
Randy:
In terms of artwork, this book is also a treat, although my mind reels at the
possibilities if the economy allowed for this book to be presented in fully painted color. As is,
Irwin paints with a sort of ink wash, and the results are impressive. There's plenty of shading
and detail to be found, particularly in the faces of the characters, and her character designs,
especially for the threatening "duskie" and the lithe and strange Vögelein, are equally
impressive.
Don:
Though I thought the figures were a bit stiff in a
few spots, the visuals are strong overall. Irwin achieves an interesting dichotomy here. The
darkness of the backgrounds contrasts with the more positive tone of Vögelein's encounters. It
keeps the reader off-balance, making for an unpredictable read and an original tone. Irwin's art
also reminds me of that of Pablo Callejo's work on The Castaways from Absence of Ink Press.
Randy:
Irwin has put together a fine book here, as well, not just a fun story. Like some
of my favorite independent creators, she fills the last couple text pages with interesting
tidbits, including explanations of certain storytelling moments, annotations of her research and
stories both personal and anecdotal. The story of the real-life "Ezrael" in particular was
charming, and showed me where Irwin got the magical view of the world that is so prevalent
throughout Vögelein.
This book has been garnering rave reviews from everyone who has seen it, and now I suppose you can add ours to the mix. Vögelein is well worth seeking out.
Don:
The timing is perfect to check it out as well. This week will mark the release of
the third issue of the series, and I suspect the previous two that we covered here are still
available for order.
For more information on Vögelein and Jane Irwin, visit www.Vögelein.com.