A review by evangeline_miller
Pretty Deadly, Vol. 1: The Shrike by Kelly Sue DeConnick

5.0

In the publisher’s synopsis, Pretty Deadly is described as equal parts western, equal parts magical realism, which aptly sums up the intricate style and story elements. The western descriptor refers to the American West setting, which is reflected stylistically in the sepia-toned color palette at the outset of issue one. However, the comic is quick to defy expectations, often introducing unexpected colors and tones (i.e., pink skies and pastels) beautifully done by Jordie Bellaire, exploring some of the more magical realism elements of the story. For example, the dialogues between Bunny and Butterfly, which introduce each issue, create an eerie fairytale quality as the two provide an ongoing narration in the captions—the images serve as a good counterpoint for the intense violence in the fight sequences depicted throughout the comic. 

 

The comic begins with a fairytale retelling by Sissy, a young urchin girl who seems wise beyond her years. Sissy weaves a captivating yarn, that of a mason who is driven by jealousy to lock up his beautiful wife in a tall tower. The story goes that in her tower, Beauty is consumed by loneliness and summons Death to come and take her, but upon seeing Beauty, Death falls in love. In the wake of their passion, they have a child who they name Ginny, and who Death makes a Reaper of Vengeance. The comic mainly centers around this tale, one of retribution and repentance, themes common in the western genre. We see how the mason’s terrible decision adversely affects the lives of each of these characters. I’m excited by Deconnick and Ríos’ collaboration on Pretty Deadly and look forward to exploring some of their other work. I would recommend this for fans of Monstress by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda