If I love two things in this world, it’s baked goods and crime.
…fictional crime. I feel it’s important to note that. For the baked goods, either real or fictional is fine. A combination of the two is ideal.
So, with those preferences in mind, there’s a comic hitting stores today that’s right up my alley.
Nutmeg #1 – James F. Wright, Jackie Crofts
I present: Nutmeg. It’s the most charming comic about teen drug dealers you could ever hope to find. By the end of the first page we know that lead characters Poppy and Cassia are going to land themselves in the back of a police car. But it will apparently take them eight months to get there, so there’s a lot we need to learn about them. The first issue was sort of like a more friendly Heathers, except the power-wielding mean girl is also at the head of a (way less civic-minded) Girl Scouts analogue. They’re the driving force behind the brownie sale at the center of Poppy and Cassia’s coming misadventure.
Artist Jackie Crofts’ character designs bring a sweetness to the aesthetic of the book that provides an excellent contrast to the whole nefarious revenge plot thing. The school is full of 8th graders with perfect 60s flip hairstyles and tidy shirtdress Ranger uniforms. The muted, pastel-centric color palette adds to the whole effect. It’s a world that’s externally sweet – even genteel – but hides some majorly dirty dealings. It’s like evil Nancy Drew, and I love it.
That girl is in gloves. GLOVES.
The first issue of Nutmeg was originally released in 2013, when Wright and Crofts funded a small run via Kickstarter. Now the entire 15 issue series is being published by Action Lab Comics, including a new release of the first issue.
Also, there’s all kinds of neat-o extra stuff that goes with this.
First off, to celebrate the release of the first issue the Nutmeg team is holding a selfie contest. Details are at the link, but all you need is a camera, a copy of issue #1, and your favorite pastry.
It doesn’t even really have to be your favorite – it’s not like they’re going to call all of your friends to verify that your are indeed mad for tiramisu. You should get your favorite pastry, though -you’ve had a heck of a week and you deserve it.
(I got your back like that)
Secondly, artist Jackie Crofts is local, and she’s doing two signings this week. You can catch her at Comic Book University tonight, and at Aw Yeah Comics in Muncie on Saturday. Tony provided all of the details in this week’s Tuesday Tidbits, so go verify times then head on out. You can find out about other upcoming appearances for both James and Jackie at the Nutmeg website.
And now, on to…
Books I’m Picking Up This Week:
Convergence #2
Giant Days #2
Lumberjanes #13
Ms. Marvel #14
Nutmeg #1
Thor #7
Uncanny X-Men #33
Bandette Vol. 2
Geeking in Indiana was provided a digital review copy of Nutmeg #1 for free. No additional compensation was given, and my opinions are 100% my own. Honestly, I only needed the review copy because a filing mishap has rendered me unable to find my copy. Let that serve as a warning, kids: always file carefully.
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