One of the first criteria I apply when experiencing a piece of art (whether it be writing, music, film, painting, or even comics) is:
“Show me something I’ve haven’t seen before.”
If the comic by Brendan McCarthy (2000 AD) and Al Ewing (Jennifer Blood) does nothing else, it most assuredly is something you’ve never seen before. But The Zaucer of Zilk is so much more than crazy pictures and self-aware dialogue.
It’s Unique
You’re not going to find anything similar to The Zaucer of Zilk in comic shops. There are no hyper-sexualized super-heroines. No ultra violent hard-boiled crime stories. No superheroes that act more like super-villains.
What we get instead is a biting social commentary disguised as a hero’s journey following “The Zaucer”, a wizard who must save a fan from the evil Errol Raine.
It’s Social Commentary
The writing is brilliant. It’s on the same level as Alan Moore’s material. I use that comparison because Moore’s writing tends to work on multiple levels. He’s my favorite comic writer, always pushing boundaries, thinking far beyond the rest of the comic industry and McCarthy & Ewing’s work here is just as innovative.
Nearly every page provides a self-confident jab at popular culture. The book deconstructs our perceptions and norms. It calls into question trends and our mainstream value system.
It’s About Fame
Our culture places popular figures on a pedestal.We follow their every move. A thousand may die due to an earthquake in a far away land but the top story of the day will be the birth of a popular movie star’s first child. It’s in this climate of “entertainment-reality” that Zaucer’s sarcasm really hits home. The Zaucer must cope with his adoring fans while on his quest. In fact, his quest is to save a fan that’s in trouble.
It’s Beautiful
The artwork is a cross between David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust years and an Iron Butterfly record cover. It’s psychedelic. It’s bright and upbeat.
It’s weird. It’s totally insane. It’s a lot of fun. Highly recommended for those who are looking for something new and fresh.