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Owly Volume 3: Flying
Lessons
If you thought Owly was vicious in his other
adventures, wait until you turn a few pages in the new book. He
might look sweet, but he packs a nasty bite. Just
kidding, folks. Owly is about the sweetest little critter that
you could ever hope to meet. The little owl’s adventures
continue in this graphic novel published by Top Shelf Comics.
The Story
Owly and his best friend Wormy continue to try to
make the world a better place. On the way home one evening, Owly
and Wormy encounter a mysterious creature they have never seen
in their woods before. What is this strange creature, you ask?
Why, it is a flying squirrel.
As it turns out, this particular squirrel is
mighty afraid of owls. This isn’t surprising since owls have
been known to hunt the occasional squirrel. Owly and Wormy want
to befriend this squirrel so they offer to share a meal with him
in hopes to facilitate good will.
The squirrel seems to take to Wormy but still
seems timid around Owly. Of course, being the good hearted
creature Owly is, this fact bothers him tremendously. Something
else is bothering Owly in regards to this squirrel. How come he
can fly but Owly can’t?
Through heartfelt communication with Wormy, soon
Owly and Squirrel understand one another more clearly. However,
one question still begs an answer. Why can’t Owly fly?
Andy Runton’s storytelling talent is beautifully
simple. Every aspect of this story works and every panel
progresses the story and the understanding of the motivations of
the various characters involved in this simple tale. Runton has
some profound feelings to express about friendship and personal
sacrifice, and he is able to express this with clarity and
without using words. He gets everything across by just showing
the little things an owl does to help his fellow creatures have
a better day.
To understand the feelings of Owly, all you must
do is to look in his large expressive eyes. Words are not
necessary. The ability to be able to express such a wide variety
of emotions without using one word is truly a remarkable gift.
Another strength of this graphic novel is that it
is appealing to all ages. Everyone from a small child to an
adult can enjoy this book. Also, because its story is told
without words, it can reach people everywhere in the world and
removes all language barriers.
Owly’s connection to nature and his fellow
woodland creatures is refreshing as well. His obvious concern
for his environment is never expressed in a preachy manner but
rather expressed in a sincere and genuine manner.
With so much sadness and stress in the world, the
chance to escape through Owly’s charming and simple adventures
feels like an oasis in the desert.
9/10
The Artwork
Andy Runton’s artwork style in Owly Vol. 2:
Flying Lessons 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
Wormy and those of the flying squirrel are great as well. The
artwork is charming and pleasingly subtle.
9/10
Overall (Not an Average) 9/10
Suzie Lackey
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