COMIC REVIEW
Ragamuffins: Stitches in Time
Time Bomb Comics

 
Writer: Steve Tanner
Artist: Andy Dodd
Reviewer: Jordan

 

I first saw 'Stitches in Time' at a convention and looked down at the artwork and thought 'Looks interesting'. Then a few months later at another event I bought a copy (I'm not as tight as I look) and tucked it into the back of my workbag to read later.

On the train home I was writing up my review of the event and the comic fell out, I should have realised that as soon as I turned the first page I wouldn't get any work done.
The one-shot introduces to the Ragamuffins of the title, the merry band of repairmen known as 'Paradoxers'. They fix holes in time, which is an old story concept that can be dire if handled wrongly. Tanner and Dodd fall into the category of 'pulled it off and leave the reader wanting more'.

Each character in has their own little quirk that comes across well, from genius man-boy Lord Kevin to the harsh ex-whore Ruby Redd, the firm but fair George and the bizarre Pussywillow. Tanner knows how to weave a good plot but although the issue introduces the paradoxers it doesn't explain how they came to be together. It has a slightly rushed feel to the story and I think it would have been better expanded and stretched over a couple of issues, that said it all comes together well at the end and with the industry in the state it is in at the moment a one-shot is a safer bet.

Andy Dodd keeps the artwork flowing, it has a very retro-British feel to it and if you enjoyed the classic Commando and Eagle comics then you will love the feel that Dodd has given to the book. This isn't a superhero book and that is good, Dodd's artwork lends itself well to the story Tanner has weaved and it works in black and white, it doesn't scream out for colour. The story wouldn't have looked out of place in 2000AD when it was starting out in the 70's and 80's.

Time Bomb have done well to put this out and the £2.50 price tag isn't going to break the bank, I find myself waiting to see what they can do with their next comic 'Furies'. I do hope this isn't the last time we see the last of Ragamuffins because I warmed to them straight away and I want to know more about them and how they came to be.
   
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