Writer/ Artist: Jeremy Treece
Publisher: Crisishour
WHAT IS IT?
A story of one young woman’s last hurrah before having to join the adult world.
Think a goth Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World meets American Pie.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
(Minor spoilers)
Colette is content to just lie around and go where the wind takes her. Her mom, however, has other plans.
Insisting it’s time for her to become a part of the adult world, her mom gets Colette a job at the 24-hour gas station, which she starts in one week. Thinking she still has time to be her apathetic self, she does what she does best: nothing. When her mom says her start date has been moved up two days, she panics as she might not have enough time to throw the party of her dreams.
Little does she know, getting away with a rager will be the least of her problems.
WHAT WORKS
Treece crafts a story packed full of humor and fun action. His dialogue establishes everyone’s personality instantly and creates several funny interactions.
The cartoonish linework plays up the intensity and emotions of the moments and the characters, allowing for some dramatic and absurdist scenes.
The pages are vibrant, but balanced. The focus of each scene is never lost in the colorful scenery.
Dialogue balloons are well-placed, smoothly directing the reader's eye through the art. The order of speaking is extremely clear in this book.
Motion is displayed particularly well in the art. The action scenes feel dynamic, and Treece smartly uses repeated images to show movement.
The sound effects lettering takes an active role in the art and feels appropriate to how these sounds would physically feel to the reader.
One page has a creative layout that switches between Colette and her phone screen. It conveys both time passing and her lack of motivation well for the space.
Background details in certain panels reward attentive readers with extra bits of detail and storytelling.
The book contains some short backups and fake ads as a bonus treat.
WHAT DOESN’T WORK
There are a few panels with lots of dialogue that slow down the pace of the story at odd times. Breaking these up over a few panels would have helped keep the story flowing.
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
I’m So Goth is a humorous tale with a loveable, sarcastic protagonist that pulls on one’s nostalgic yearnings for their rebellious youth. Colette and Xen are amazing proxies for the feeling of having to give up a bit of one’s self to be a part of everyday society. Despite them being extremely negative and apathetic characters, the reader will find themselves rooting for them.
Treece has a unique artistic style that isn’t afraid to take a few risks. There are lots of moments that are visually stunning and use unusual layouts without sacrificing pacing or flow. Most noteworthy are the background details they decide to include. Everything from additional character details, visual gags, and author self-inserts flesh out the artwork. This makes the book feel fresh on each read and rewards attentive readers.
Perfect for comics fans who love wacky, heartfelt adventures, I’m So Goth is a must-read.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
Worth by Jeremy Treece
Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley
Goth Ghost Girl by John Schlim Jr. & Sergio Quijada
If you like the art:
Fearsome As The Night by Lisa Treece & Jeremy Treece
The Quiet Kind by Chuck Brown & Jeremy Treece
The Misadventures of Clawberry & Friends by Lisa Treece & Jeremy Treece
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Jeremy Treece (@jeremytreece) – Writer/Artist
Jeremy Treece has a wide-reaching career having done linework for Marvel, Dark Horse, IDW, and Dynamite comics.
They are also a colorist and have done work on multiple Marvel titles, as well as works from Image, Dynamite, and IDW.
Treece started publishing their comics through Crisishour with their wife Lisa in 2010.
HOW DO I BUY IT?
The image(s) used in this article are from a comic strip, webcomic or the cover or interior of a comic book. The copyright for this image(s) is likely owned by either the publisher of the comic, the writer(s) and/or artist(s) who produced the comic. It is believed that the use of this image(s) qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law. The image is used in a limited fashion in an educational manner in order to illustrate the points of the author and not for the purpose of entertainment or substituting the original work. It is believed the use of this image has had no impact on the market value of the original work.
All I’m So Goth characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are trademarks of and copyright of Crisishour or their respective owners. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.