Pretty Deadly: a supernatural western narrated as a fable
The comic series Pretty Deadly redefines the boundaries of the western genre by integrating a deep layer of supernatural and mythological elements. Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Emma Ríos collaborate to create a universe where an ancient fable comes to life through visually striking pages. 🐇
A plot that draws from myths
The story does not unfold linearly, but is built as an oral tale. A rabbit and a butterfly act as narrators, guiding the reader through the odyssey of Ginny, also known as Death's Daughter. As the daughter of Death, her journey through an American West transformed by symbolic logic explores perennial themes such as revenge, memory, and the perpetual cycles of violence.
Narrative pillars:- Non-linear structure: It is based on myths that the characters embody or recount, breaking with chronological tradition.
- Unusual narrators: The rabbit and the butterfly provide a unique perspective, distancing from the typical omniscient narrator.
- Poetic violence: Acts of force in the story possess a lyrical and deliberate tone, beyond mere visual impact.
A rabbit and a butterfly telling stories might be the most unusual narrators you'll find.
Art as a fluid visual experience
Emma Ríos brings an organic and loose style that rejects traditional comic conventions. Her strokes define forms that flow freely, becoming abstract in key sequences. The composition of each page is designed for reading to progress intuitively and visually, akin to deciphering a graphic poem. 🎨
Key elements of the art:- Expressive stroke: Dynamic lines and shapes that prioritize emotion over strict realism.
- Innovative composition: Page layouts that direct the gaze and narrative rhythm unconventionally.
- Bold color palette: Colorist Jordie Bellaire employs deliberate chromatic ranges to define the emotional tone of each scene.
A legacy of symbols and cycles
Pretty Deadly transcends its format to present a reflection on archetypes. The world it presents is a version of the old west where entities like the Reapers operate under supernatural rules. The series demonstrates how comics can use their unique tools—sequential art, color, and narrative—to weave a contemporary fable about eternal concepts, where every visual and narrative element serves a greater symbolic purpose. ⚰️