Still on the Shelf #56 – The Gift
By Craig Reade

Comic longevity is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, we all love it when our favorite comic book reach important issue milestones, because that means we have been entertained for years, and that the character is successful. On the other hand, the more storied a comic is, the harder it is for a new reader to sample the book, which could hurt it in the end. Just ask someone who has read their first issue of Lucifer recently to see what I mean.

Enter the anthology comic, the old granddaddy of comic concepts that most people like to keep hidden away in a home, lest he comes out and embarrasses the guests. Anthology books are just something you don’t see a whole lot of anymore, mostly due to sales. It could also be said, though, that almost all of the most popular heroes of today got their start in just these kinds of books.

Personally, I don’t see why this genre is not more popular, if done properly, anthology books could be not only a great showcase for various artists and creators, both veteran and rookie – but it could also be an effective testing ground for new character concepts. I suppose in this day and age, if it does not have a lead marquee character you can make an action figure out of, it isn’t worth the effort.

The Gift is not an anthology in the strictest sense, though its format is very similar. Each issue is distinct in that it focuses on a completely different set of characters who’s chaotic lives shift when an item, a gift which grants one person great power, is inserted into the mix. Though not your typical anthology, this sort of “bastard anthology” does have the same strengths and weaknesses that any anthology series would have. While it is extremely easy for a new reader to pick up any issue of The Gift and enjoy it, it is possible that some stories here and there might not click with a regular reader. While it is possible that these plot lines may be drawn together at a later date, so far each issue has been distinct and able to stand on its own – personally I hope it stays that way.

Cast of Characters

The Ancient One, the only character to so far appear in more than one issue, is a timeless, enigmatic figure who’s task it is to chose those who will have a gift bestowed upon them. Aside from choosing who will receive the power he has to give, he has very little role in each story aside from a watcher. Little is known about him, and little needs to be.

Anthony Freeman had the dangerous job of being a bartender in a pub controlled by a mob. He liked his job and understood the rules well – though no amount of discretion could help you when you see something the mob does not want you to see. It is at this point where the Ancient One finds and chooses Tony to receive a gift, and his life is forever changed.

Sandra Lewis thought life was good. She had just met who she thought could be Mr. Right – things were going well indeed. Of course, fate has a way of screwing up even the most ideal situations. The Ancient One chooses to step in after Sandra is kidnapped by a quartet of men who intended to use her as a plaything.

Harry is a disturbed young man, who is on the constant lookout for more “playmates,” since he has a bad habit of breaking the ones he has. What fuels Harry’s psychosis is answered in the story, but I it is safe to say that his life takes an unexpected turn when he tries to “play” with a family who has had a visit from the Ancient One.

Rick is another perverse individual who enjoys causing pain in others. After he develops a fascination with a stripper in a club he frequents. It is here when he encounters the Ancient One, who gives him something that causes his personality’s nature to manifest itself physically to those around him. So what is this stripper going to do when she finds herself stalked by a fierce monster which looks like a cross between a dragon and a cockroach?

Henry is a young boy with a poor lot in life. His mother passed away at a very young age, and his father and the bottle are an inseparable duo. Though Henry tries as he might to appease his strict father, it always seems as if he falls just short of perfection. As such, he must also deal with the wrath of his angry and violent father. Of course, Henry is the ideal choice for the Ancient One’s particular brand of gift.

Thoughts

The Gift is another one of those titles that is just plain impossible to describe in any way to do it justice. Gregory does an outstanding job flushing out each of the key players in each story before adding the unusual twist that each issue’s gift entails. He also avoids the clichéed “happy ending” in most cases – each charcter’s life is irrevocably changed by the end of the story, and rarely is it ever for the better when things are all said and done.

The art is probably the only real weakness of the title, but it is not a killer. Art nitpickers might balk at some inconsistent drawing and some exaggerated features (I was kind of bothered by Henry’s unusually large head in issue #5), but it is more than passable overall. The backgrounds are outstanding, and really add an appropriate feel for the book. Overall, the biggest strength of the art in this title is the storytelling – Kirkman seems to have a knack for knowing exactly how to present each panel on the page. To me, that is the most important part of the art in a comic book, and I am not about to damn the whole series because of a small weakness in the facial features of the characters.

I referred to this series as a “bastard anthology” – that is only because I can’t think of a better way to describe it. I love the fact that you can come into this series at any issue. Each issue is a standalone story whose first pages tell you all you need to know about the concept of the series to appreciate what is going on. Characters don’t interact between issues, with the exception of The Ancient One – and he is less an actual character, and along with “the gift,” more a method of delivery for the power that is introduced to a character in each story. I am sure there are those that might want to know more about this enigmatic figure, but to me – the characters in each story are far more important, and I am content to see the Ancient One as a simple tool of the plot.

Bottom Line

Small Press and self-published books do have an uphill battle for recognition in today’s market. It is rare that you see a true independent book last for a long period of time in this market because of the continuing nature of their stories. The Gift, so far, is written in such a way that you do not need to read any of the previous issues to really enjoy it, and I consider that a great strength in this market.

The Gift stands very well against other similarly formatted stories in all media forms. Its standalone nature makes it an ideal choice to sample, as any issue is a good jumping off point. There are currently five issues of The Gift available, with a sixth on the way, though Raven Gregory has already scripted well beyond this point in future issues. So you can expect many more new issues of The Gift as time goes on.

I have yet to uncover a place online where you can order past issues of The Gift (I will be sure to update you when I do), but it is solicited through Previews, and your local shop should be able to order the title. Issue six was just solicited last month, and should be on the shelves soon.

I have really grown to appreciate writers who have the ability to tell stories that are self-contained in one issue. I know the “slow build” approach has become increasingly popular these days, and that is something that can be good on occasion. But when you have a dozen (and oftentimes more) stories that you are getting bits and pieces of each month, it kind of takes away from the enjoyment of the story. One of the reasons trades are becoming more and more popular these days is because it takes six issues to tell a story anymore.

I like graphic novels, but I also like comics. And on occasion, I like reading a COMIC BOOK where I don’t have to wait six months for the entire story to unfold- I can spend my $2.95, and pick up a single issue and have the whole story right there. If you ask me, I consider it a weakness that comic writers can’t seem to be able to tell consistently good short stories that fit in a single issue anymore. Thankfully there are those out there in the independent market putting out books like The Gift, which can fill that niche.

Credit Where Credit is Due –
The Gift is
Written by Raven Gregory,
Pencilled by Tyler Kirkman,
Inked by Marco Galli, Ted Pertzborn, and David Rivera, and
Colored by Brian Buccellato, Steve Cobb, and Saul Orithuela.