I Kill Giants #3

Overview

Hello. So this review will contain spoilers. So its been a few days, uh possibly years, after my last review of this series, but if that has been too long for you, please feel free to check those past reviews out, to help with context. The story starts getting interesting in this issue, as our protagonist Barbara has to deal with some heavier conflict and more light is shed on some of the problems she has been facing. So much so the issue starts off with her clad in knight armor, and with a retelling of the events that lead her to donning the metal carapace. That story telling device is something quite a lot of stories, in different mediums do. An opening scene that allows a character to retell immediate past events. Its a trope, but like all the things this series does, its got its own spin and identity to it, also allowing us to peek into Barbara's imagination, and the small creatures that either inhabit it… or actually exist?

Barbara is in counseling with Mrs Molle, and she seems more open now, a good sign. She mentions that she has a friend now, Sophia, and she manages to sound sincere, dry, sarcastic all at once. Barbara seems to know she has certain idiosyncrasies that predispose her to being antisocial. The rest of her day would be highs and lows, that would actually end up with four different characters physically assaulted, and a friendship seemingly broken, and with Barbara left in a lonely, scared and sad state.

I really liked this issue, the hints to the fantastical nature and supernatural entities and beings, the small tiny, faeries, the foreboding dark giants. The repetition of the mundane, and so on. The issue ends with so many questions, one massive question regarding what is troubling Barbara, it really starts to make you care and invest in the characters.

Writing & Plot

Joe Kelly is the writer, and does as great a job as with other issues. Especially now that we are familiar with the characters a bit more, we can see them interact with each other more, emphasis different aspects of their personalities, see how they deal with conflict, see them at highs and lows. None of the characters seem overly simple, Barbara does seem as typically cynical and sardonic, but also sincerely happy to have a new friend, and self aware that she is a bit odd. Also a bit naive and immature as well in certain scenes. This issue also has a fair bit of violence, which may not seem that odd for those who read superhero comics, but after the tone and gentleness of the first two issues, comes quite sharply and its emphasized as well. Barbara seems deeply affected by it all, shown as being in shock for many parts of the story. There are some very sweet moments as well, especially as far as the interactions between Barbara, Sophia and Mrs Molle.

Art & Visuals

I really enjoyed this issues art, and felt that artist JM Ken Niimura got to be even more expressive and quirky with supernatural elements that run throughout the story. The various pixies, trolls, goblins, fairy creatures that turn up frequently. As I have mentioned in past reviews, I am not really a fan of black and white comics, nor art styles with too much of an "anime/manga" influence, but the story and characters had me invested in the art, in such a way that makes me appreciate what it does for the characters and story. I also enjoy that I can't always tell what is real or not. Adds a surreal touch to the story, and reflects Barbara's hyper imagination well.

Moment of Berserk Button

A berserk button is usually the idea/trope of an otherwise normal, individual turning into the Hulk if someone happens to come across a certain sensitive subject. Their berserk button is pressed. Though I suppose a lot of people refer to that as being triggered now, except I find that term a bit bland and very overused, so I am sticking with berserk button. **Presses the berserk button of the people that prefer the application of triggered, after being triggered by that word, which is my berserk button** In this issue, the class bully presses Barbara's berserk button and gets violently retributed. Its a bittersweet moment, its nice seeing Barbara stick up for herself, but its a bit sad seeing her be put into that position of having to snap to defend herself. Still, if you are a fan of bullies being beat up, by the people they usually bully, you may enjoy this issue extra.

Moment of Friendship

One of my favorite things about I Kill Giants is the developing friendship between what is two very different personalities and characters, in Barbara and Sophie. Barbara is this introverted, antisocial, intelligent, sarcastic, loner type, who is going through some tough times, and Sophie is this light, friendly, inquisitive person, who manages to get past all the barriers Barbara puts up to keep people out. Story sort of reminds me that everyone deserves to have a friend, albeit gaining and keeping friends can be tricky with all the differences people can have in personalities, attitudes and outlooks. I like that Barbara isn't so antisocial she hates people, she is just a bit cold, otherwise she seems like she would like friends, and so when her friendship with Sophie is strained a bit, its nice seeing she is invested and does care. Leads to some sweet moments.

Conclusion

I give this issue maximum stars! If this review seems a bit random, its probably because I have been ill recently and so wanted to read something sweet and enjoyable. This was one of the first comic stories I thought of. Hence a hearty and sincere recommendation for anyone that wants to read a nice, sweet, fun story, thats substantial but not too long. Seven issues in all. Mind you also deals with some pretty serious topics and ideas too. Just a generally nice example of the comic medium. Thank you for reading, and if you do read this story, let me know how you found it. Or if you have read, tell me what your favorite parts were!