WebComic: The Blind Fisherman / Personal Demons
Writer: Bryn Colvin
Artist: Thomas Brown

One of the greatest things about Webcomics is there are so many hidden gems out there.  This week’s Webcomic took me by surprise.  On this adventure we take a trip down the road of fantasy and magic.  We bring you The Blind Fisherman / Personal Demons.  This comic combo was started back in September of 2009 by Bryn Colvin and Thomas Brown.  Ever since we have been treated to a new panel every week.

The first thing that really caught me off guard on this comic was the artwork.  The whole series looks like it was drawn on a sketchpad with pencils and charcoal.  Many times it felt like I was looking at Thomas Brown’s personal sketchpad.  So many comics now use photoshop and look nothing like the old school sketches from artists waiting for the bus.  I am not talking stick people here, but rather a feast for the eyes that is carefully prepared and slow cooked all week.

The one aspect that is used sparingly is color.  Color is used for things like a blue magical fireball or the green slime that is the blood of a demon.  Due to its sparing use, it grabs your eyes with fishhook vengence.  The simple blue added to a small bit of magic focuses your eyes to it.  This also gives it a real feeling of power while making one ask just how powerful this little girl is.

Every once in a while we are treated to a full panel in color.  When these happen we see dark rich greens and brick reds grace the canvas.  These are fantastic as they not only carry the colored pencil feel, but also show off what Thomas is capable of in the world of color.  Lighting techniques are used to pull the eyes around the wonderful piece of art.  I would go so far as to say I would love to have this artwork proudly displayed in my office.

Of course, this comic would be nothing without a good story.  The Blind Fisherman is a short story leading up to Personal Demons.  This is a world full of magic and fantasy with dark themes.  Personal Demons follows a little orphan girl as she learns about her magical powers.  The innocence of childhood is maintained through clever and innocent one liners.  The story is written as if Tim Burton lived on Sesame Street.  The dark and unique fantasy world created here carries a child-like innocence in every panel, every story.

With some candy for the eyes and veggies for the brain, this is one fine Webcomic.  You are not years behind, as these works of art must take tons of time, so what are you waiting for?  Check out this series and maybe you will be chomping at the bit for the next update.  I know I sure am.