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Owly
Top Shelf must have some sort of private information on me that they have collected over the years. I have to find out how they get it. I am a sucker for charming and sentimental stories, particularly those involving animals. Apparently, I am not the only one considering the success of Good-Bye Chunky Rice, a graphic novel about a little turtle and now this one Owly, about a caring little owl. Owly is a collection of Andy Runton’s two mini-comics published as one single volume.
The Story
Owly tells the story of a little owl named, appropriately enough, Owly. Owly lives in a hollowed out tree and dreams of having friends. The first story presented in this graphic novel is The Way Home.
Birds, worms and other creatures seem to scatter at the presence of Owly making it difficult to get to know others and make friends. The situation changes when Owly finds a lost worm looking for his parents after a storm.
While on this search, the two develop a close relationship and Owly is enjoying having a companion. Luckily, the two find worm’s parents. When they answer the door, they are thrilled to see their son, but then they spot Owly and the door slams shut.Worms and birds are sworn enemies, a fact that Owly and worm have overcome. Will worm’s parents come to know Owly for the caring soul that he is? Will worm and Owly be reunited so their new friendship can continue to blossom?
The Bittersweet Summer is the second story presented. Owly, while planting in his garden spots a hummingbird. He would like to get to know this bird better and seeks to cultivate plants to draw the bird to his garden. He is successful and finds himself not only one hummingbird but two to share laughs and conversations. But, winter is approaching and hummingbirds fly south for the winter. Will they try to stick out a cruel winter with Owly, risking their lives? Or will they fly south for the winter and return in the spring?
The strength of Owly lies in Runton’s ability to convey so much about trust, unconditional love, and friendship without using a single word. The sentiment expressed in the book is completely honest without being phony, sweet without being saccharine and poignant without being depressing.
A person would have to have a hole in their chest where a heart should be if they aren’t touched by Owly.
9/10
The Artwork
Andy Runton’s artwork style in Owly is unpretentious and nicely stylized black and white. Owly has big expressive eyes that Runton infuses with an amazing amount of expressiveness. The character designs of worm and those of the hummingbirds are great as well. I also enjoyed the fact that on a few pages, Runton chose only to use a single panel. It gives the reader the opportunity to really reflect on the images and emotions Runton is sharing. The artwork is charming and pleasingly subtle.
9/10
Overall (Not an Average) 9/10
Suzie Lackey |
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Owly
Written and Illustrated by Andy Runton
Published by Top Shelf Comics
Review: The Story 9/10 The Artwork 9/10 Overall (Not an Average) 9/10
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