BATTLE IN THE FLOWER GARDENS (comixology originals / stout club)
“I feel it in the air, The summer's out of reach” - Don Henley
Every summer, Luke’s family heads to the beach for a break from the norm and catch up with old friends. However, this year, something is off. Luke can sense it happening all around him.
Changes are happening and not everyone is ready to accept them,
BATTLE IN THE FLOWER GARDENS by Eduardo Medeiros & Deyvison Manes (Comixology Originals/Stout Club) is a coming of age tale that examines one fateful summer.
Let’s take a deep dive into this OGN.
BATTLE IN THE FLOWER GARDENS by Eduardo Medeiros & Deyvison Manes (Comixology Originals/Stout Club)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Medeiros pens a relatable tale of finding oneself through the struggles of adolescences. Luke is a normal kid growing up with dreams of the beach town Capao Novo and seeing his best friend Mitchell. The writing shows his wonder while the world around him moves at its own pace. It is when he’s thrusted by his parents to enjoy a summer amongst others that doors begin to open. Shaking up the status quo moves Luke into new areas that come with split directions. What he chooses ignites the drama to more complex dilemmas.
Readers watch as Luke’s evolution provides a challenge to his comfort zone. One area of the story that is very relatable to anyone who grew up in the 90’s is the Arcade scene. Medeiros locks in on the importance of that social area as Luke starts his journey. The writing leans into these new bonds to cover much ground on the lost boy finding himself. Where things become tricky is when Luke’s dream world doesn’t align into reality. Readers watch as he starts to suffer some huge defeats. One shatters everything leaving a fragile soul in its’ wake. Luke’s swim through many emotional pools leads to a striking finish as the harsh reality of life hits its’ destination.
MORE FROM COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS!
The art recap for this OGN may be smaller than most but take nothing away from the work. Medeiros on double duty brings out the highs and lows of Luke’s life to stunning success. Using a backdrop of journal note paper, the panels fill with Luke’s vibrant optimism. This spins into the flashbacks with Mitchell growing up. The looks of youthful happiness warms hearts as the eventual troubles begin. As the time at the arcade takes center stage, Luke’s illusions of calmness quickly become shattered.
Making new “friends” with other kids comes off with the tentative awkwardness children usually have in these moments. A great full page shot of Luke smiling as his joy sinks in detours the story’s twists forthcoming. The use of photos to break up transition points is a great touch. It provides a detailed personal feel to mirror Luke’s. There are some great two-page spreads thrown into the mix as Luke begins to accept what changes are occurring. One spread crushes the story in a devastating fashion. Flipping color tones, the art conveys the tragic turn before moving into the strong ending. Pages close in on Luke’s aftermath right to the bittersweet final image. It’s a very decpetive look for a story that hits right in everyone’s feelings.
FINAL GRADE: 9
One fateful summer changes everything for a young boy in a tale of hopefulness and heartbreak you won’t want to miss. Medeiros & Manes bring readers into a world where Luke’s longing for acceptance comes with a high cost. It is a story that stands on its’ own & welcomes all to get lost in its summertime sadness.
Let me know your thoughts on BATTLE IN THE FLOWER GARDENS in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
