By: Jenny Avendaño
The Last Witch #1 written by Conor McCreery with artwork by V. V. Glass is an all-aged fabulous figment of fantasy colored by Natalia Nesterenko and brought forth by BOOM! Studios as part of the BOOM! Box collection. This “oversized” thirty-plus page wonder allures the senses starting with distinct verbiage juxtaposed beside stunning sequential art, setting the atmosphere for the perfect reverie. In this coming-of-age narrative, protagonist Saoirse serves as the emblem for this Irish name that literally means “freedom.”
For instance, Saoirse is an impoverished but brave young girl who is determined to prove that she is anything but ordinary. Embodying a special mark visible from birth she responds to her calling, believing in herself amidst others’ doubt, and exercising free-will. Saoirse boldly states, “When I go past the hedge, they’ll see I’m more than some poor girl with an ugly mark. They’ll see I’m special, like Nan says I am!” In other words, she is irrevocably committed to finding an adventure yet she decides to do so on the most dangerous day of the year.
The Cailleach or “old woman, hag,” is rumored to be out and about on Saoirse’s birthday, but she is convinced it is merely a story. Visible throughout legends of the British Isles, the Cailleach is depicted as a “benevolent earth-shaping giantess, harsh winter hag goddess, shape-shifting crone, guardian of sacred wells and animals, or ancient bestower of sovereignty.”
Nevertheless, Saoirse’s authoritative father catches her on the first attempt to examine this myth firsthand; providing a glimpse of his overprotective nature which stems from the loss of his wife. Although the village is hosting a festival Saoirse’s father orders her to go home, mend his socks, and look after her sick brother Brahm.
While Saoirse is at home alleviating her brother’s illness, the painful truth is revealed about the passing of their mother that ultimately draws these two siblings closer. The sickly mother passes away from an unforgiving fever but not before reassuring Saoirse that she is special. Moreover, deliberate pigmentation and artistry add to the sorrow surrounding this loss, as Saoirse recalls her mother’s words, “A promise is a bird that can never be set free.” The notion of Saoirse’s call to heroism is further enforced by Nan, another strong female supporting character that serves to highlight our protagonist’s extraordinary traits.
Saoirse thinks she has snuck out of the house only to realize her sick brother has tagged along with her. The pair encounter Nan who allows them to quixotically continue their journey. However, Saoirse has clearly uncovered way more than she could have possibly fathomed putting her brother in danger.
Overall, the panel to panel art in this narrative provides beautifully key moments in which knowledge is subtly being passed down without overwhelming the reader. Holistic and herbal remedies serve to attentively transmit a glimpse of the cultural wisdom surrounding this magical realm. First when Saoirse is mixing the herbs for her sick brother and then when she is saving the injured bird with the help of her brother.
There are several covers that depict the essence of this marvelous narrative and are essential to anyone who enjoys this story. In no particular order: the 1:25 variant by Peach Momoko is a delicate and whimsical interpretation of this tale inviting the spectator to further venture into this world. Also, Chrissie Zullo entrancingly presents a variant limited to 500 copies worldwide, a vision that would leave anyone in a trance. Lastly, the virgin variant by Sabine Rich exclusive to Frankie’s Comics depicting a visual synopsis of the tale itself without the need for words.
