Bunn is a web comic done by Brian Silveira and Lisa Nguyen. They have the first two books
completed and available to read on their website www.buncomic.com with book #3 available for pre-order.
So far I have been thoroughly impressed by the story and artwork in the first two books. This
comic book takes place primarily on another world that is fully fleshed out. There are
magnificent and unsettling creatures aplenty. This comic has a mixture of horror, gothic, fantasy and scifi all rolled into one. And the results are impressive and very accessible.
The story starts off with Milo a teenage human boy from Earth dangling above a sea of
monsters that look like a cross between sperm whales and sharks. Things only get weirder
from there. Milo as we learn was mysteriously transported to another world. On this new world
he finds himself in there are people that look human who live in a city built on the treetops of a
very dense forest. Goblin looking creatures, referred to as The Lost, also live in this world but
they live below the treetops. The two species don’t get along. The human species were
apparently once enslaved by the Goblin looking creatures. Then hundreds of years ago the
human like beings were freed by a powerful goddess entity. She bestowed immortality to a
chosen profit and as long as the humans believe and accept her they will be protected. The
goddess then went to sleep promising to awaken again when the time is right. The humans
have lived worshipping her ever since and are very devout. The chosen prophet still lives and is
their leader. Milo enters this world along with his pet rabbit, named Bun who has been his
faithful companion since he was a little kid. But it isn’t long before Milo and Bun start shaking
things up and everything might not be as it appears on the surface.
I wish I could do this story justice by summarizing it more but it’s too complex to really capture in this review. There is so much going on and the haunting landscapes need to be experienced to fully get the depth of this world that Brian and Lisa are creating. It can take a few pages to get acclimated to this strange new world but once you do it is fascinating and it grips you. There is mystery here as to what is going on but the story wonderfully gives you enough answers whileraising more questions so it never becomes frustrating or confusing. We also jump to Milo’s alcoholic father back on Earth throughout the story which adds depth and realism to an almost dreamscape like tale. With all this going on it would be easy to falter and lose sight of a story but Brian and Lisa manage to balance everything quite well.
As a writer myself this is one of those instances where I really appreciate the imaginative power that storytellers can possess. This a story of depth and scope that I always hope to accomplish myself. I think there is also room in this story for a lot of thought provoking themes and soul searching ideas as well. Especially if things progress in the direction they seem to be heading. The artwork is beautiful and gives a feeling that you are almost experiencing a dream while awake. Many of the pages have no text whatsoever so you can just drink in the landscapes and wondrously horrific creatures. This is a story I highly recommend. It is unique, entertaining and beautiful all at the same time. I say bring on book #3.
Final Score: 5/5
More importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, depression, self-harm or addiction, please feel free to reach out, use any of our resources, call the suicide life line: 1-800-273-8255 or text 741-741.
About Matthew Basile:
Matthew Basile has been dreaming up stories in his head for as long as he can remember. He loved stories of all kinds growing up and has always been enthralled by other worlds. He is thrilled to finally be able to share his own stories with others. Besides storytelling he also loves nature and especially loves combining those two passions. His first novella, Brandon's Fairy Tale, is currently available on Amazon. He is also working on his first comic book called Wolf’s Howl with a Kickstarter coming in October 2018 for it. Matthew currently lives in New Jersey with his two dogs, Molly and Buddy. Follow him on social media: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Blog
