Webcomic Great fun, once it gets going.
Given the long time this comic has taken to get itself going, and the space between its updates, this comic takes a little bit to find its footing. It starts out as a simple, cartoonish adventure between two kids, but as both the plot and the art develop, it becomes something a little bit more. One of the comic's real strengths is how its artist and writer work together. The writer has an excellent sense of who the characters are and their personalities, and the artist brings those characters and the world around them to life with great art.
The main characters themselves are the comic's biggest strength. They're intended to be a pair of modern, everyday kids, and they really ring true. Their dialogue and behaviors come off as quite convicingly kiddish, and although the two protagonists, Sam and Cade, are quite different, their friendship feels real and believable. They're also great characters on their own: Cade being a slightly sheltered, but sweet and well-meaning boy, who can be braver than he thinks he can be, and Sam being something of a "free-range" girl who is bold and strong, even when she sometimes charges ahead without thinking. The moments where the comic dips into their backstory also do a great job of providing fleshed-out details without falling into infodump territory.
The comic does have a slight problem with the fact that it's clearly meant to be read as more of a long-form work than a page-by-page thing, so when following it as it updates, not every page ends on an "oomph" moment. It does meander slightly in places, and the "feel" of its antagonists is somewhat all over the place. But the comic does know that its protagonists are its heart. Although they're going on a treasure-seeking adventure, the comic dwells on the relationship between them, and that gives it real strength.
Webcomic how did I not know about this before?
Everything I could possibly want in a story. A deep friendship, a mysterious treasure, peril, and very real characters. Like real kids, Sam and Cade act and react to everything thrown at them in a very realistic way—curiosity is tempered by worry, but despair is tempered by hope. When things get scary and dangerous, they are not the typical, perfect heroes of many kids shows, who show no fear and think everything is fine. They realize the possibility that bad things are happening, and things can get worse, but like the bravest of children, they choose to press on. Nothing is easy, but neither is everything hopelessly out of reach, which lends itself well to a child friendly comic that can be enjoyed by older readers as well. There are competent villains, and the kids have to rely on their own strength, rather than on luck, which pays off in the character development department. Through interactions with each other, parents, and their own thoughts, readers get a clear idea of who Sam and Cade truly are.
Another bonus comes in the form of consequences. As unrealistic (to a point) as the situation itself is, the very natural reactions of the whole cast really sells the story, suspending all disbelief. Parents worry, and are more than figures to rebel against who don’t “understand” their children, as is often the case in such stories. They are full-fledged characters, no matter that they are not central characters, which really breathes life into the comic. When something happens, it happens—an injury stays an injury, even when it isn’t convenient. The consistency is wonderful.
There is plenty of adventure, danger, peril, but there are also wonderfully funny moments as well, making it a very fun read. The art is clear and easy to follow, even during night scenes and underground scenes, which is a blessing, and the attention to detail is glorious. Emotions are clear on the characters faces, and the colors are rich and beautiful.
All in all, this is a fantastic comic, one that I hope continues for a goodly time, and one I would buy in a heartbeat for my cousins and future children.