QUIET (comixology originals)
Mary is a student that faces many challenges.
Her struggles have been kept in silence due to selective mutism. This has led to bullying, anxiety and a slew of other challenges.
One day, everything changes. Mary is assigned a SereniBot — a mental health support robot. This leads her on quite the unexpected journey of self-discovery.
QUIET by Kim-Joy, Alti Firmansyah & Sara Linsley (Comixology Originals) is an OGN reuniting the “Turtle Bread” team for an all new story.
Let’s take a deep dive into this thought-provoking tale.
QUIET by Kim-Joy, Alti Firmansyah & Sara Linsley (Comixology Originals)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Kim-Joy presents a fascinating look at the complications of coping with extreme anxiety as Mary’s unlikely partnership begins. The opening pages show her handling of school bullies. Readers watch as their taunts push her selective mutism. It leads into a detour of events as she returns home. Mary’s love of cooking provides instant relief while offsetting the interactions of school. The constant conflict of social anxiety moves into a bold initiative for Mary via Ms. Emuka. Their conversation is filled with caring while trying to help Mary dealing with feelings of being misunderstood.
Readers watch as “Sid”, a SereniBot, comes into her life at an unlikely stage. Their initial encounter is flooded with awkwardness. The conversation is very straight-forward as Mary opens a small bit o her internal feelings. The result proves impactful as Sid begins to reach some common ground. One noble gesture spins into something far more experimental. The writing shows how this new friendship is opening new expressions but not without a cost behind it. Kim-Joy puts a moral dilemma into play as Mary discovers she is slowly changing for better or for worse.
This self discovery leads to a greater situation that Mary could expect. In this moment, an action results in an unthinkable sequence for the young girl to handle. The writing locks in on this aspect while pushing Mary into the closing stages. Readers buckle in as the story heads into a bumpy transition period. They watch as Mary’s story takes a few dips before coming back on steady ground. Those bumps challenger her in new ways before one final conversation eases the audience into its’ finish. Kim-Joy leaves events on a fitting and strong note which is very reflective of the person handling all of life’s obstacles and discovering their true voice.
MORE FROM COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS!
Firmansyah brings a unique look to sharing Mary’s story to the masses. Keeping the color scheme black and white (for the most part) allows the journey to be presented in a direct and honest way. The art does infuse some sci-fi elements into some panels where needed. The one that jumps off page the most is the “alien” look when dealing with her bullies. Linsley’s lettering stands out in these pane’s as well. The alarm bell “ring” signifies a move in placement as Mary heads into her more comfortable spaces. Readers can enjoy the dueling full pages of baking vs. school. It sells a story all its own there.
Once Sid enters the picture, the story’ mood changes from a dreading mood into one with a sliver of warmth behind it. Mary’s expressions with her new robot range from curious to elated once she makes a connection with it. This leads into a more playful look until events switch up. Firmansyah’s use of “objects” to handle bully comments is a fun twist. This builds into a solid full shot of Mary and Sid getting a win.
Panels flow very easily as the story gains momentum. The alien looks break up the pace long enough to provide a great transition to a crucial event. The fallout feels immense as a drastic action has taken hold. The fallout covers many emotions as Mary deals with what unfolded. Readers watch as the build goes into a few brief flashbacks with coloring switches. This is presented again with a imaginative look at Mary dealing with her internal struggle. Once the final act arrives, panels take up an inspiring look as changes take place It caps off with a perfect panel for this tale of introspection. Solid work all around.
FINAL GRADE: 9
Mary’s life is shaken up by Sid’s arrival as the pair handles life’s challenges in a deceptive tale of self discovery. Kim-Joy pens a deeply emotional tale dealing with finding a voice through the silence of oneself. Firmansyah crafts astonishing art to guide the audience through Mary’s ever-changing course of action. A powerful look at internal bravery that can never be silenced.
Let me know your thoughts on QUIET in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
