Kieran Fisher reviews Beast Wagon Finale…
The double-sized finale of the critically acclaimed and British Comic Award nominated series by Owen Michael Johnson, John Pearson & Colin Bell goes on sale on the 1st April 2017. Make sure you mark the date as you don’t want to miss this.
It’s sad to see Beast Wagon come to an end. Since arriving on the scene in 2015, the series established itself as essential reading from the get go due to its unequalled originality and thought-provoking social commentary. Disturbing, surreal, bizarre and wickedly intelligent, Beast Wagon is a series that defies classification, and that’s what makes it so damn wonderful. Owen Michael Johnson (writer), John Pearson (artist), and Colin Bell (letters) might be on an island unto themselves when it comes to ideas and vision, but given the quality of their hallucinogenic opus, they’re well on their way to being future industry titans – should they decide to be, of course. To take the concept of animals in a zoo, insert them into a tale of war horror and tap into real world issues with this much insight is remarkable, and “Finale’’ is further confirmation of their unique talent. Should this be the end of the adventure definitively, it’s a strong conclusion and worthy end to such a triumphant series.
One of the main drawing factors of Beast Wagon is John Pearson’s art; it’s unlike anything else out there: trippy, psychedelic, and drenched in neon-lit, nightmarish imagery, being simultaneously perplexed and disturbed has never felt so captivating. Without crossing into the territory of hyperbolic statements, let’s just say that Pearson’s is one of the most imaginative and distinct illustrators to emerge in quite some time, and it’s only a matter of time before the world knows who he is. His work is striking, visual eye candy that boasts plenty of heartfelt emotion amidst its chaotic sensibilities, and I can’t praise it enough.
However, let’s not forget about Owen Michael Johnson either; to devise a concept this wild and make it work takes the mind of a creative genius in his own right, and like Pearson, it’s only a matter of time before the majors come chapping on his door. If they had any sense they’d throw a blank cheque at these guys and tell them to do whatever the hell they want. Of course, it would be just as nice to see them continue to grow imprint Changeling Studios, though it’s highly unlikely that their talents have gone unnoticed.
I can’t wait to see what this trifecta move on to after this. With the end of one story comes the opportunity to tell others, and while it’s sad to say goodbye to one of the best series in recent years, whatever they come up with next is going to be highly-anticipated among comic aficionados. With their introduction, they’ve given us a masterpiece. Now it’s time for them to go on and establish a legacy.
Rating – 10/10
Kieran Fisher
Originally published April 1, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
