Review -- ANAFAE

ANAFAE
Art by Monica Richards & James Neely
Written by Monica Richards

There are comic books which truly ascend above the medium to be more than a book with pictures generally targeted at a younger audience.
ANAFAE is one of those books.
There is so much good to say about this one, it's truly hard to know exactly where to start.
So let's start with the storyline. Monica Richards has an amazing story going through the first two issues of this book; AMAFAE: Liber Prima Awakening and ANAFAE: Liber Deux Recollection.
The story is one which draws on fantasy, with the aspect of Mother Nature playing a prominent role, and mixing that with a sci-fi twist that takes the earth forward to a point technology has all but destroyed everything.
There is of course a huge message in the storyline, one about respecting nature, and being careful where we allow technology to take us. While obvious, the message takes nothing away from the story. In fact, it makes it more compelling, because we can see the cracks which might well be leading us to the dark future the storyline portrays.
Richards said the story for ANAFAE actually grew out of a shorter story she had previously written.
“I wrote a short story entitled 'Spring – Untitled', and the story is actually shown in various parts of the graphic novel,” she said. “It follows Mother Nature manifesting as a woman and walking the earth, but the difference was it was her manifestation that caused the plague - as she took all her power with her. The story was quite vivid enough that the idea of making a graphic novel seemed - at the time - a simple thing to do.
“But, as I began moving towards how I would illustrate the story-line, I was studying Permaculture at the same time - and the change to man-caused plague came about just as Jim and I were getting into the thick of working. It is of utmost importance to me, working with - not against - nature in living one's life.”
The storyline is actually an old idea for Richards.
“I wrote the story about 10 years ago - but began really pondering on the graphic novel in 2004. But I wouldn't have been able to create ANAFAE the way it is without Jim coming in and visualizing the concepts and helping to bring her to life. We began working together in 2005,” she said.
Neely said the story certainly rang true for him as it began to develop.
“I love the old tales and myths relating to lessons and archetypal themes,” he said. “When I read Monica's short story, it all seemed to click with me in an instant. I came on board a bit later, so a fair amount of the concept had been developed by Monica already and it all just floored me.
“I saw it as very intentional with the message. Hopefully to appeal to different folks through this medium of sequential art and storytelling about not only what has been done, but also what can be done to help the Earth.”
ANAFAE's story is matched stride-for-stride by the artwork of Richards and Neely. The art is dramatic, stunning, varied, and absolutely entrances the reader in the world these two are creating on every page. I would like to compare it to something artistically for the reader here to appreciate the work, but honestly I am not sure what other title it looks like. I can tell readers, it is amazing. Just take my word for it.
Richards said in terms of influences, comic books were not really where she draws from.
“That's very hard to say, I am not deeply versed in comics, and we've had comparisons to other artists I am not familiar with - though looking them up, I am a bit blown away,” she said. “The whole thing just slowly evolved, and as we move into types of scenes, such as an action scene we are working on in Book 3, I look at how action is handled in various comics and see what works and what doesn't. It's more like directing that anything else, how do I want to approach a scene? This is where Jim is so brilliant, he brings in views and angles I wouldn't be able to visualize.”
Neely on the other hand admitted comics have been something he grew up with.
“I grew up with Epic and Heavy Metal magazines more than the regular superhero comics,” he said. “I had my share of them, but I tended to gravitate toward what was being done in Europe by the likes of Enki Bilal, Richard Corben, and the insanely detailed Philippe Druillet. Mustn't forget the wonders that Roger Dean came out with for album covers and fantasy art, and Frank Frazetta will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved the bizarre, steampunk/cyberpunk, fantasy and erotica genres.
“As far as writing influences, again, one can never go wrong with mythology. Monica does extremely well as the writer for ANAFAE, and sometimes we work out small details together as it goes.”
The good news with ANAFAE is that there is more to come.
“We are just putting the finishing touches on Book 3 "Dreams of Dragons" - which delves into the minds of both Allaine and Lagan,” said Richards.
“Indeed, Book 3 will hopefully put a very cool spin on the storyline,” added Neely.
Overall the story will roll out over several more issues.
“It will be nine books in all - we have much to finish, I think it will be a book a year, it takes so much work between the two of us,” said Richards. “There are back stories on Fauz, Robo-Kitty, flashbacks, and some mini stories that take place in another time/plane of existence.”
Neely added, “we both work full time graphic jobs, so we work on ANAFAE as we can. It has a huge potential scope, even perhaps epic. We keep it fun, that is the key.”
Richards said in terms of acceptance, she tends to write what she likes, and then hopes people enjoy it.
“We didn't know what to expect. I write and then put things out, I always hope people 'get' what I am up to,” she said. “ANAFAE has crossed boundaries, though - usually it's just fans of my music that buy my writing, now it seems to be comic fans, also environmentalists, pagans - it seems to be existing in its own world.”
Neely added the response has been appreciated.
“For me, it has actually been such a kick to hear from such amazing artists already well known in the industry that have paid such wonderful compliments to the work,” he said. “I didn't expect it to be as wide spread through different walks of life, but I had hoped it would be of interest to anyone that could relate to one simple thing, the Earth.”
If you are looking for something fantastic in way of a comic book, then ANAFAE is a must. The combination of stunning art, and outstanding story makes this one of the best comics I have read in ages, and you should seek it out too.
Check it out at www.monicarichards.com/anafae

-- CALVIN DANIELS

-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra