Eleutheromania, from Anas Abdulhak on Gumroad, is a thought experiment in creating a comic experience set to poetry with two shorts based on original prose.
The Details
- Written by: Anas Abdulhak
- Art by: Anton Mozhegov, Mattia Monaco
- Letters by: Novella Locritani
- Cover art by: Alexia Orozco
- Cover price: $3.00
- Release date: Available now
Is It Good?
Eleutheromania is neither good nor bad in the sense that it’s a comic that defies typical analysis. The issue breaks down into two shorts which are visual expressions of two poems written by Andulhak. what you take away from the experience starts with what you’re looking for.
If this sounds obtuse or confusing that’s because, again, this isn’t a comic in the traditional sense. Each poem considers aspects of the human condition and leads you to feel, rather than think, your way through the words.
The first poem (Act One) centers on the idea of bondage and control from outside forces. The art does a phenomenal job of projecting the strain and struggle of the lead character as he grapples with the bondages placed on us, especially when those bonds become familiar. This short has the clearest narrative flow, and the panel compositions are poignant, but the linework is sketchy.
The second poem (Act Two) illustrates the innate spark of strength and creation within each of us, the tendency for outside forces to cover that spark with darkness, and the assurance that we’re stronger than we sometimes realize. The art in this second poem is much stronger than in the first, but the connection between the art and the words is vaguer, so you’ll have to use your imagination to connect the dots.
Put together, these two poems are a thoughtful exercise in imagining what words alone can’t express, and you should consider giving them a look.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Act One
A ragged, exhausted man pulls a giant boulder behind him by the chains that wrap around his torso. His soul yearns to be free, and he finds a burst of strength to free himself from the chains. However, obtaining freedom doesn’t fill the pain of living free. Sometimes familiar bondage is better than the unknown.
Act Two
A human made of the stuff of stars awakens to the possibilities of the universe. However, the darkness of space seeks to protect itself by covering the light. Only when the human acknowledges, accepts, and uses the power within can the chains of darkness be pushed back.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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Eleutheromania is an unusual twist on the comic medium with two poems used as narration for sci-fi vignettes examining the human condition. The art in poem two is stronger than in poem one, but poem one’s connection between visuals and words is clearer. Regardless, this is a unique read for the poet in you.
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