GVN Talking Comics Review: Ahoy Comics ‘BABS’ Issue 2 “A perfect blend of artistic storytelling that makes ‘Babs’ just plain fun.”

Last Time

When we last left our heroine BABS, she was up a tree without a paddle. Along with her impudent sword Barry and her horse. She had been chased there by a large, angry bear with a grudge. All because a squirrel had been pinned to his hide by Bab’s arrow. Sore head. Meanwhile, the town she had recently departed was now hosting the resplendent Ivory Knights of Unblemished Virtue (try putting THAT on a business card). This arrival was good news for Mork the Orc and his band. He believed these knights might just be the ones to turn their fortunes around, presenting yet another chance for their kind to upend the status quo. At least, that was his theory.

Hoping for Good Things from the Knights

More importantly, Mork felt like making an alliance with the Knights could lead to them getting vengeance on Babs for kicking their arses when she was in town. What kind of a world was it that allowed women to stand up to men and not show their proper respect? Mork hoped that was one of the FIRST things the Knights fixed. They would find out soon as their leader Tiberious Toledo was giving a speech later that day.

A Peeping Gerry

Outside the town, Babs indulged in a well-deserved bath in the stream, an opportunity that arose due to their bear friend’s mysterious departure. Babs wasn’t bothered by this absence. However, her tranquility was disrupted when a skeletal soldier appeared, seemingly to watch. He assured her that was not his purpose. Yet, his real challenge was explaining his presence to Emma, his partner, who arrived shortly thereafter. Emma apologized for Gerry, and she assured Babs that there was no rush, and they could talk after she was done.

Do You Know the Way to West Southshire?

After she was done and had covered herself, she discovered not just Emma and Gerry, but a group of deceased soldiers. They were seeking directions to West Southshire. Cursed to roam the nearby lands. West Southshire was their upcoming site of apparition, all due to a malevolent Archmage whom they despised. Babs directed them appropriately, but only after presenting Emma with some hair care products that caught her eye. After all, being deceased doesn’t negate the desire to look presentable. As they left, Babs asked Barry if it was possibly the smell of the dead soldiers that made the bear leave. He cheekily replied: “Either that or your riveting company.” I’m sure Babs is wondering if anyone wants a useless sword.

Beware the Outsiders at Your Door

Back in town, Tiberious Toldeo was addressing the town. He told them that he was there to right a great wrong. Everywhere they went, they found outsiders pouring in, taking things from the rightful residents. Before long they are bringing in their strange customs, their language and their religions. All of this after you welcomed them into your towns with merciful hearts. Never knowing what their REAL intentions were. But that is why he and the Ivory Knights of Unblemished Virtue had arrived. To help the people stop this invasion before it starts.

Some of the townsfolk agreed with this declaration. While some questioned what would happen if they were to forbid these “strangers” access. It wasn’t like many of them didn’t serve some purpose for the citizens. These were questions that the Knights would be discussing that night with the town council. Toledo expressed confidence that together, they would resolve all of their concerns. Great! Just what Mork wanted to hear. If things go the way he believes they will, people like himself and his cohorts will finally get the treatment they deserve. All they need to do is ally with them.

Worries about Endless Misery

In the meantime, Babs joined Sir Colin Culpepper on the road, a man known for his endless misfortune (defined: LOSER), verbose tales and a sword soaked in lamp oil to simulate flames. Fortunately, his droning monologues allowed Babs to catch some sleep. After their paths diverged, Babs shared her worries with Barry about becoming like Colin—a hopeless loser—or like Emma, doomed to roam endlessly in misery. Barry reassured her it was improbable, yet Babs remained uneasy. She knew that the wrath of a single angered Magus could place her in the same predicament as them. But until that day came, she still needed to eat. It was time for a silver run.

An Offer He Shouldn’t Refuse

While this was going on, Toledo was heading the table at the local inn. Sharing in the towns good fortune of food and drink, without actually paying for any of it. He assured his guests that this would become common place. Them sharing his bounty with him while he and his Knights cleared the undesirables from the land. That was when Mork decided to make his offer of assistance. At first, Tiberious wanted nothing to do with Mork, as his was the kind that they were intent on removing. But Mork presented him with a piece of parchment that would offer him a prize that he would not be able to refuse. All Mork would need is for a dozen of Toldeo’s knights and a day’s travel. It would be a no-lose situation for the Knights.

An Unwanted Adventure

In the meantime, Babs was busy trying to fill her purse with silver from the Dwarves. She went into this thinking she might have some challenge sneaking into the Dwarves lair and snitching a few bags of ore. But as it turned out, things were not what she expected. First off, there WAS no ore. In fact, there were no Dwarves either. Which was unusual as the Dwarves ALWAYS seemed to be working. But the caverns were empty, other than a spot of blood on the floor. Great! Just what she didn’t want. A spot of mystery and another dangerous adventure. Those things NEVER pay off.

Thoughts

Issue 2 of Babs continues where Issue 1 left off. A constant flow of witty and satirical banter that generally makes no attempt to conceal its target. There’s Mork’s continued complaints about the Dark Realm and how it plots to keep upstanding citizens like himself and his henchmen down. In addition to the Knights planting seeds of fear about “outsiders” coming to over run the countryside and take what the people hold dear. All the while taking room, food and drink from the very same people they claim to be protecting. Nothing familiar about these situations.

Humor the Ennis/Burrows Way

In the narratives that amuse me, it’s often an offhand remark that strikes me most. Take, for instance, the moment when the Knights first address the people. “I am Tiberius Toledo, and I have come to return what was taken from you!” This elicits a retort from one of Mork’s henchmen: “Why? Did HE steal it?” It’s the kind of quip I would make. Kudos, Garth! Also, during that scene, keep an eye on the crowd for some recognizable faces. Jacen is just showing off now. And let’s not overlook the Knight’s subtle warning to a Citizen about posing the wrong questions. I do hope that man is alright.

Nothing Not to Like

Two issues in and I have found nothing not to like. A narrative with likeable and relatable characters along with sharp, satirical witty dialogue. Mixed with a perfect blend of artistic storytelling that makes Babs just plain fun.  Another in a long line of winners from the Ahoy Line. Ahoy Comics Babs, Issue 2 by Garth Ennis, Jacen Burrows, the tag-team of Andy Troy, Lee Loughridge and letters by Rob Steen is available on September 18th. Look for it where great comics are sold.