The Canary that Named the Stars: Beautifully Composed
Creative Team
writer: TRAVIS CORWIN
artist/colorist: RH STEWART
letterer: ROB JONES
publisher: NEVER WAS COMICS
The Canary that Named the Stars is an impressive fantasy story that captivates readers and pulls dearly at every heartstring. The experience of reading this story is like hearing beautifully composed music that wonderfully lingers long after it’s done.
Set in a world where no art or stories exist, readers follow Chel’s journey of collecting stories from the stars and finding her own outlet of healing in the process.
At face value this comic can be perceived as a revenge story or a story of flawed humanity, but ultimately it’s about different themes that encompass stories that give lessons, inspire, or change the way in which we perceive the world. It’s the depth and heart of storytelling that shine in this comic book, and readers who take their time to relish in every word will be rewarded with a flood of emotions by the last page.
Written by Travis Corwin, the script is engaging as Chel’s harsh world is introduced. Her struggles to survive and what she loses (and gains) throughout this series is thought-provoking and masterfully connects Chel’s story to the lore that is given at the beginning of each issue.
Lettered by Rob Jones and illustrated by RH Stewart, there are two distinct visual styles. The tales of the stars have vibrant colors with water color imagery that easily could be pulled straight from a fantasy novel. This is juxtaposed against the muted colors tones and harsh lines when the story shifts from grand epic stories to the grounded reality that Chel faces in unforgiving streets.
Readers who pick up this series would benefit from going in with an open mind and willingness to let the story take them on a unique adventure.
It’s not often that a small press comic book has left me silent for a period of time after finishing the story, but The Canary that Named the Stars offers an experience filled with an emotional journey that holds the reader’s hand and presents something unique.
The Canary that Named the Stars sets such a high standard for small press comic book storytelling—and storytelling in general. This comic is excellent for readers looking for a fantasy story with depth and rich complexity. An easy “Must Read.”
