Inkblot #1: Come Here You Furry Fiend

The new magical high-fantasy from Rusty Gladd and Emma Kubert is sure to catch readers by surprise with it’s depth, wit and adorable little cat that sends this story into a whimsical frenzy.

Invoking feelings reminiscent of the 1994 magical film The Pagemaster with a more adult and complex high fantasy twist, the first issue of Inkblot spends the majority of its pages laying the foundation for a surprisingly expansive world. It’s easy to see the series will be a visual powerhouse with artwork both remarkably detailed and striking in its composition. We are introduced to a story about Xenthos Voidbreaker and how he came to earn that name, giving access to the different realms and bringing change both amazing and deadly. Then, in the Library of the Living Castle in the Forestlands, the issue finally finds focus around a woman Seeker and a mysterious black cat.

As the magical mystery unfolds and the artwork shapes this story with impressive world building, we see a collaboration between Gladd and Kubert that has inspired something wholly unique. In the magical genre overpopulated with Harry Potter inspired stories, it’s great to dive into a new series that feels like it is bringing something different to the table. You might think it’s this large cast of characters throughout the realms that will take the spotlight for development, but this series seems intent on focusing on a little cat.

Inkblot actually isn’t all that inspiring simply as a concept. A magical cat with unknown abilities that allow them to portal to different realms whether at will or just at random. It’s the artwork that immediately sets the story apart from anything else we’ve seen though. It’s not concerned with modern bells and whistles, instead it emphasizes strong design and execution on every panel to make for an enjoyable first issue.

Of course the cat is crazy cute, and this Seeker character is definitely becoming involved in something with the potential to spiral out of control. But the real problem with Inkblot #1 is that it doesn’t really offer any other direction for the reader. It’s entirely a premise building comic that answers a lot of questions as to “what” and “how” but it doesn’t really address the “why” that can grab a reader’s attention and not let go. I love how Inkblot #1 sets the stage for this new series and I’m very likely to check out the second issue, but I’m still not completely sure what I’m signing up for.

For fans of the magical and high fantasy genres, Inkblot #1 is a book that is absolutely worth picking up. But whether or not it does enough to hook you into putting it onto your pull list and continuing as the series develops is a different question. For me, there is enough depth in the world building and involvement of one particularly adorable cat to have me back for more. Hopefully the mystery proves worthwhile!