#FreeComicBookDay #RIP? #NotSoFast!!!!--Part 3

More independent love in my coverage of Free Comic Book Day (virtual 2020).

The Worst Journey in the World (still being adapted)
By: Sarah Airriess (adapted from the book by Apsley Cherry-Garrard)

This work, is an in-progress adaptation of the Terra Nova Expedition. Currently, over on Patreon, you can read the first 40 pages for free (and then you know, you should support the author as a thank you!!!  The quote from the first art-page of the prologue says it all "Polar exploration is at once the cleanest and most isolated way of having a bad time that has been devised." If that doesn't solidly summarize the Terra Nova Expedition, then I don't know what will do it for you!

This image is from Page 2 of the free preview Airriess posted on Patreon, you should check it out at: www.patreon.com/tealin

I love how the first part of the prologue lays everything from Scott's expedition out on the table, and as he wakes from the dream you instantly doubt whether or not what you saw is real.  Without wanting to tell you the entire story (because from this 40 page preview, it is well researched and remarkably well adapted, and even if the art is still in sketch phase its amazing!) you should read this yourself.  As I worked through this early look into the prologue and adaptation, it does an amazing job setting the scene in the UK where the Expedition team comes together, takes time introducing you to the major players of the expedition, and the sendoff from Cardiff to Antarctica (with port stops along the way) are all done seamlessly.  I can already tell I'm going to love the finished artwork when I get to check it out again!

If you are any kind of history buff, or if you are a sucker for an in depth look at a historical event that Americans may not be 100% familiar with (like my wife) this is setting itself up to be an epic vehicle for a shocking journey.  And as soon as I hit "post" on this review, you best be damn sure I'm backing this on Patreon.

Back Airriess on Patreon!

Shirley's Day and Incident at the Game Store
By: Ryan Francis

I can already tell you the 6 pages of this story on Francis' website left me yearning for much much more.  The story is simple, a large gentleman (your stereotypical large misogynist gamer).  He decides to walk into a Gaming Store and grab a woman's ass.  Not a woman who is alone, but a woman who is clearly standing there with her male counterpart.  Of course, a fight ensues, and what you see is every classic "normal man trying to whoop ass of big dude" battle play itself out.  As we watch our villain transform throughout the battle, it really makes us question if this piece of shit is really about to get his due.

This story was also short, simple and intriguing.  The image you see on the cover is the question you keep asking throughout the tale.  Why is Shirley (a seemingly normal human girl) attending a school with a bunch of folks that look like mythical statues.  At first I was wondering if it was some narrative about not fitting in (and based on the ending it could be), but it appears all of these statuesque individuals are living and breathing, and in the same universe Shirley is...so, something has to be her deal...right?  As she continues through her day, we just see your same vanilla high school student living her life...and then, it's time for to go home, and we finally get a glimpse of the full picture!

I liked both of these.  They were whimsical.  Two similar art styles help tell two completely different stories, and even if they are 6-7 pages in length, I'm still actively unpacking what just happened in the back of my mind!

Check out Francis' Etsy Store Here!