Gridley: The Hanging Tree is the second issue of Sid Quade’s series with Funcertainty Box. In this issue, readers experience a small campaign to focus on Giles Gridley’s development. All the while ready to experience the wider, weirder, world through a newcomer’s eyes.
Welcome To The Wizarding Guild
For readers continuing from last issue, there’s a real surprise that this takes place in a small timeskip. Long story short, you ever have one of those work trials? It’s a way for workplaces to see if you can have a job there, if you can do it good enough to work with everyone. Now it looks like Giles passed despite any worries and he has the exhaustion to prove it. Even if one of his new co-workers is keeping a close eye on him.
While readers will be on Giles’ side, Quade makes it clear that the suspicion isn’t uncalled-for. While Giles means no harm, being tight-lipped about his vampirism is a concern. It is what got him exiled from his home after trying to help. But with people already fearing his species, how do you open up to others about that?
Apparently, with an apprentice. Which is a big surprise since Giles just got his job.
Gridley: The Hanging Tree – The Humanely Weird
Hester Ariti feels like a character readers will relate to for getting into the Weird West setting. Her accent, design, and body language all evoke an eagerness to get out and play with the world. Of course, Giles isn’t as eager since he wants to keep a low profile.
That’s not the only foil though with Giles and Hester’s case showing a reflection of their dynamic. A ghost and his ex-partner want to move on from their old lives. But between dishonesty and carrying the weight of the past, hope for a newer, better life can seem far away. Especially when it’s easier to take the past to the grave.
So the best part of Gridley: The Hanging Tree comes with Giles connecting with the ex-partner. He empathizes with his plight in reflection of their inner turmoils after some friction. Enough to give some trust to Hester for a dangerous task. But not enough to let his guard down. It’s a pretty genius way to get readers hooked on more developments.
Presenting The Magic
Gridley: The Hanging Tree is more than willing to drip feed some world building to answer lingering questions. Like what type of pistol-shaped wand slinging wizards make up the Guild. As well as how dangerous the advanced magic Giles and Hester use can be. Like when Giles shouts at the thought of a certain spell with exaggerated expression. Funnily enough, when it is used later on, it is used on a ghost who magnifies his threat with intense lettering. That way, even the reader can see how crucial such a spell it is.
Gridley: The Hanging Tree – Ready For The Next Campaign
This second issue is an extremely accessible look into the world of Gridley. Without needing to read the first issue, this series feels like it’s communicating with its readers on an even level. From character dynamics, motivations, and world building, there’s always something to look forward too. Not to mention presenting it all in eye-catching detail without overwhelming anyone. Although it does have one small flaw of some word balloon placement; it can get hard to follow where a reader’s gaze is supposed to go on a typical comic page. With how often the word balloons overlap some panels, it can take readers’ attention away from what’s happening in the rest.
So for an otherwise great story this gets 8.8/10.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.
