When we last left Ash and Thorn, Lottie Thorn learned she was a champion. She learned it in the way common to most heroes: a little old lady came to her front door and told her. And since she had suddenly developed super strength, (the awakening of a Champion) Lottie bought what she was selling. Although, she probably would have preferred that Peruvia (the little old Lady’s name) had come to inform her she had won a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. So her training had begun. This is where book two begins as Lottie’s training continues.
By the Book
As book two informs us, Peruvia is a “by the book” trainer. Book says, Champion does. Which would be fine if the books in question are in order. Judging from Peruvia’s consternation, they are not. Either that, or Peruvia is not reading them correctly. For her part, Lottie doesn’t give a damn. She just wants to accomplish whatever it is that the fates have laid out for her and get back to her life…and her tea. But Peruvia is concerned enough to take her leave to consult with her fellow Guardians. She winks out and tells Lottie to continue her studies. Right.
But instead of getting in contact of her fellow guardians, all she gets is Pickle. A mischievous, blue colored sprite with a bad attitude and a smell to match. He initially acts as a form of cosmic messaging service for the Guardians before his stench gives him away. Pickle informs Peruvia that he has no idea where the other guardians are at. They are not in the habit of telling him.
As for Lottie, she decides to take a little walk and stumbles upon a construction site that is in close proximity to the strange hole (the rip) in the ground. When she attempts to investigate, she is given the bums rush by a suit who tells her it is the beginning of a “community center.” He informs her that a City Council meeting is being held to discuss the project, if she has concerns. She does. Part of her new “Champion” abilities is that she can discern BS pretty quick. Or perhaps she could always do that. Nevertheless, she needed to attend that meeting.
Upon coming home, she found that Peruvia had returned along with her new blue companion Pickle. He was helping himself to a dessert. Lottie stared on incredulously before offering some Tea to go along his pilfered snack.
The “Community Center”
Phase to the City Council Meeting. A Mr. Court is giving his presentation about all the good his new “Community Center“ will bring to the small town. But as he drones on, Lottie is having none of it. Her newfound Champion Senses smell something bad afoot and it’s not Pickle. Peruvia believes Lottie is mistaken. She hasn’t had time to develop her intuitive abilities yet. Regardless, Lottie stands to question Mr. Court for more details about the project. He talks but supplies no answers. He instead points her in the direction of his “assistant” to provide any details required.
Mistaken Identity
Back at Lottie’s House, her student Sarah has come by for a visit. Pickle is there sleeping off his feeding frenzy, but Sarah cannot see him. All she sees is the mess he left. As she examines the kitchen, she notices Peruvia’s books. Some things she can make sense of, most she cannot. That’s when Pickle steps in and gives her a bit of magical prodding in her reading. He couldn’t help himself. As she understands more, she doesn’t notice the dark shadows enveloping the kitchen. Pickle does but doesn’t react in time. Sarah is gone.
Lottie and Peruvia arrive back at the house just as this is happening. Lottie immediately recognizes danger and runs toward the house just as Sarah is taken. Pickle tells them what had happened. Peruvia assumes they took Sarah because they mistakenly assumed SHE was the Champion. She WAS the right age, after all. Lottie didn’t have time to be offended. She tells Peruvia to lead her to Sarah.
The Timrek Hound, as Pickle had told Lottie, had taken Sarah to see Court. He was still in a suit but more in his natural monster form. He was planning to eat, suck out Sarah’s life energy. His master would be pleased. He expected to get the rush of the Champions powers. He was surprised he was not. Fortunately, Lottie arrived, skillet in hand. He asked her who she was. She informed him of his mistake and introduced him to her metal friend. Scratch one Monster assistant as book two ends.
Thoughts
The one problem you sometimes have in a short series is the feeling of being a bit rushed to fit a story in. If this is happening, it is not discernible in issue two. At least not enough to distract from the story. The players have been established and the personalities have been laid out. The dialogue between the characters, especially between Lottie and Peruvia is some of the best parts of the story. As is the introduction of Pickle. Lottie already wants to throttle the little blue imp.
Art and Color
Lee’s art still impresses as it moves the tale along. I admit to looking forward to her close-up panels the most, when her fine lines come through. But that is true for most of my favorite comic artists. Faces speak volumes and hers do just that. Between the art and color work, Ash and Thorn is a good looking book. Whimsical when appropriate and dark and eerie when the monsters come a calling.
Extras
The extra stories at the end of the Ahoy books are some well written pieces. Don’t skip on these when you finish the main story, as well as the included recipes in Ash and Thorn. I’m not a culinary person, but they look good. Nice work by Ahoy for including these.
What’s Next
So we now know the Monsters are not waiting for Lottie to finish her training. They are moving on, with or without her. No doubt she may have gotten their attention with her latest kill. At least as in knowing who their dealing with…and it’s not Sarah. Peruvia believes Pickle knows more than he is revealing while Pickle thinks Peruvia isn’t ready for this. We will see when issue three drops on July 29th. Have you had an opportunity to read the first two issues of Ahoy Comics Ash and Thorn? If you haven’t, be sure to check them out. It’s a different look at the whole superhero gig with some very funny dialogue.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
Related
