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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
I was given the chance to read Corey Pruitt’s comic, The Leaders of the Free World, which was made with help from Toben Racicot, Aaron Kaye Johnson, and artwork by Elijah Isaiah Johnson. It’s like nothing that I’ve seen before! This issue begins with Analyn Mendoza (aka Medic)’s story with Doctor Séance appearing throughout the comic into the end of the overall plot.
First of all, the plot may be difficult to understand at first, but I think it should be clearer after a second read-through. For the most part, the lettering and such is great, although it has a punctuation error on Page 9 and a grammar issue mistaking “than” for “then” on Page 23, so it may need some editing. Elijah Johnson’s artwork is the most praiseworthy element of what appears on the pages.
The comic borrows some popular culture tropes and lines such as Dragon Ball Z‘s “Over 9000,” which I found interesting to note. The dialogue could be polished more to remove any unnecessary and awkward exposition where it’s needed, but on the other hand, the action is neat! The dynamics between characters are present, and it’s always a sight to see these things because they are what lures the readers in.
Aside from the artwork is the comic’s use of music and representation. The story calls upon some tracks but it does so every few panels, and I wish it could give me room to breathe. The reader may lose focus because they may find themselves changing the score of the Surreal Mix every page or so. This issue’s story takes place in Manila, Philippines and in Samoa, which are remarkable settings given the characters presented throughout these pages. As a Filipino living on a Pacific island called Guam, I am proud the writer gives diversity in terms of locations and of characters/dialogue.
Overall, this comic is off to a good start in its second issue, and I look forward to improvements here and there as the story progresses. This issue lacks a subtitle, as many comic book issues need one, so there is that as well.
7.5/10
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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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