The Great British Bump-Off from Dark Horse continues on with issue three, on Day Two of a televised baking competition.
Shauna Wickle has involved herself not only as a contestant but as a sleuth. Because one of the show’s contestants has been murdered! What killed Neal, and oh yes, WHO killed him? But Shauna’s scampering and sleuthing has interfered with her baking, resulting in her heading toward disqualification. Will she whisk along and get her baking to the oven before she’s toast?
Writer John Allison continues to compose a strong story, issue by issue. The scenes are a mix of drama, plot, and character, as they should be. Allison has a lot of fun placing us in the midst of the petty and competitive goings-on in a baking competition. It’s part parody, wholly exaggerated, and totally entertaining. The confrontations, the ruminations, the consternation!
Artist Max Sarin provides fluid characters full of expressive gestures and impossible facial movements. They’re putty in his hands, as Sarin stretches the action, moves his point of view for effective composition, and positions the poses for the most in laughs.
Sammy Boras’ colours are largely ‘flat’, but that decision is the right one, as the silhouettes of the figures tells us everything we need to know to navigate the panels. The colours are saturated and tasteful, with a minimum of embellishment. And many panels have no borders, allowing the characters to gesticulate and emote in wide open white space.
Jim Campbell’s letters are clear and easy to follow; the extended-width font he has chosen is appropriate for the subject matter.
This is a highly entertaining book, with surprised, lemony twists and a tangy aftertaste that makes you want more!
Dark Horse, The Great British Bump-Off #3, 24 pages of content
Newsdesk