Prospectors’ Tribune #10 - Marshal Goes to Jail

Marshal Goes to Jail - Dragonweirdo  



1. Art - 5/10

Great line work and expressions. Every page feels like a sketch though with no color and little shading, but that’s expected when the page count is over 500.



2. Story - 10/10

Enthralling. Even the horniest among us have put their Johnson aside to read this from beginning to end. Instead of starting from the beginning, the “intense” part of the story is presented first alongside fragmented clues, filling the reader’s head with questions, and this curiosity is carefully sustained. Answers are drip fed while compelling characters are introduced, and the smaller arcs peppered throughout give a sense of satisfaction further driving engagement. Relatability and realism are key factors in what makes the characters so interesting. Although many might see a part of themselves in Marshal’s good natured, anxiety ridden desire to be a people pleaser at his own expense, those who don’t likely can sympathize with one of the people around him. The other major characters have distinct attitudes and exhibit multifaceted personalities with traits and motivations that, while remaining completely benevolent, believably interact with Marshal’s behavioral tendencies in a way that ends badly and hurts people. One thing I also personally enjoy is how the author’s interpretations of the characters differs, sometimes wildly, from their canonical selves. I especially like their version of Ankha as a quiet, autistic critter and Isabel’s reformed goth girl backstory (and her exasperation with the town’s incompetence lol). Also the Mayor’s Sex Note is funny. 



Olivia’s part can be regarded as the climax of the story with the previous arcs building the context behind the extent of the distress and damage Marshal was subjected to. Yet, even knowing this and despite Olivia arguably being the worst among Marshal’s relationships, she still provokes some level of sympathy. This doesn’t absolve her of her treatment towards Marshal though, and it is undeniably satisfying when she is finally made to understand the harm she’d inflicted. Perhaps more satisfying though, are her steps towards redemption and fulfilling her passion. This is a big part in what makes this such a well written story - desire to know more about the characters and their lives even after the premise of the story has ended. In the comments you can find people who want to see how Marshal and Ankha’s relationship continues or would like to see Olivia’s redemption. The little things too, like Petri and Marshal continuing to be friends throughout or Lolly’s change in career, are simply nice to see even if they barely affect the plot. The comic may have begun with wanting to know what led up to the exciting part, but it ends by leaving us wanting to know what happens after.



3. Appeal - 1/10

“Hey kіd, it ain’t that kind of comic”