By Larry Jorash — Members of society with disabilities are, I think it’s fair to say, often left out of comics. There are some examples in mainstream books, to be sure, including Barbara Gordon for many years as Oracle in DC Comics, as well as Daredevil on Marvel’s rooftops. Now, with the forthcoming book from Mad Cave Studios, Pantomime, we get a pair of new characters in that group — Haley and Max.

Pantomime begins as a story readers are likely to find familiar: two children suffer a tragic loss and are shipped off to a boarding school by a broken family that considers them a burden. Within this mold, a fun and surprising crime thriller takes hold. Our youthful Ocean’s 11-esque team works to overcome what some consider a weakness and to bond in the process. The tale is both heartwarming and unnerving as trouble finds our soon-to-be addicted heisters.

If there’s one place Pantomime does fall short, it’s in embracing the language of ASL. We see the children sign but most of this is translated for us and without a full range of motion shown. While this creative choice is understandable for a majority non-ASL speaking audience, it seemed like a lost learning and cultural opportunity. Other stories centering on deaf main characters such as Matt Fraction and David Aja’s Hawkeye have embraced this idea while still getting the message of the story across. It’s a very small complaint, however, and the story in Pantomime #1 is still fun and engaging in its own right.

The color work on Pantomime is exceptional. The darker moments fade inward on the page while the more dull and dreary moments provide an open spatial awareness.

Pantomime is definitely worth your time. There’s a solid chance you haven’t read a story like this one recently (if ever), and the subject matter is important and timely. Writer Christopher Sebela’s story is a sweet and satisfying pick for your comic book Wednesday knabs.

Overall: Representation matters and the deaf community is often forgotten in comics. Sebela has crafted a wonderful story about a group of misunderstood youths forming an unconventional family. The color work is extraordinary and vibrant, resulting in a great read for anyone who knows what it’s like to be lonely. 7/10

REVIEW: Pantomime #1

Pantomime #1
Writer: Christopher Sebela 
Artist: David Stoll
Colorist: Dearblah Kelly
Letterer: Justin Birch
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Price: $3.99
Haley and her brother, Max, are alone after their mother's death and are sent to Wayfair Academy, a special needs boarding school. Eventually, they find family amongst other deaf children. One night the group decides to dip their toes into crime... the thrill is too much to leave behind. They soon find out that stealing from the wrong person, has its consequences. With no one to turn to but each other, they must make a choice, one where no one comes out the same.
Release Date: November 4, 2020

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Larry Jorash resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys watching ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)