Oddly Normal #3
Written & illustrated by: Otis FramptonPublished by: Image Comics Â
Welcome to life as we know it; or, rather, life as we know it if we happened to be just a little too different compared to everybody else. While most kids have to worry about fitting in, Oddly is so far from Normal as to make her only capable of fitting in within an entirely alternate realm of existence. This is the starting point for the 3rd issue of Otis Frampton’s magic story – and this theme is the one that runs through this issue.
The book runs in three parts, the initial set up is told with an ominous, dark feel, as Oddly learns more about her predicament. The middle section is imbued with a more optimistic, light feel; while the closing segment delivers the necessary coup de grace to close out the issue.
As with previous issues, the plot isn’t exactly taxing, but then the target audience will lap this material up. The plot isn’t the main draw here, the book is firmly set on Oddly and how she doesn’t fit in – which many will relate to. Visually, there are some lush elements in this issue, none more so than the imagery in the mid-section of the book; in particular the excellent scene at the ‘bug stop’.
In terms of the characters utilized here, Oddly has the right mix of beguiling naivety along with the weary angst of being ostracized. In support there are a myriad of others to keep the pace lively. Otis does have a tendency to throw in a few almost bare pages, where the focus is purely on the art. Maybe these could be trimmed or fleshed out, rather than the reader just skimming along these gaps in the flow.
Otis’s art is pretty simple, with a cartoon type feel to it. The emotional content is achieved quite well even with a simplistic style. There is a warmth here with the characters which belies the cartoon feel. The best elements of the art are on display with the weird and wonderful aspects – of which, there are many.
The story is light and gentle, it is well targeted at the anticipated audience and Otis plays firmly to that group. Oddly Normal is a nice book, not overly taxing or complicated, while that won’t exactly expand the readership of the title, it will keep the book firmly in the interest range of the young adult market.
