Writer: Leonie O’ Moore / Artist: Leonie O’ Moore / Misrule Comics
Don’t Fall is described solely by this one line: “A tale of peril and discovery.”
These are the first three pages of Don’t Fall. It succeeded in setting up the story and conflict in three pages with ease and had me sold: I wanted to read more so I bought it. This universe is composed of three different areas: the highlands, the midlands, and the lowlands. Traveling is always dangerous the closer to the edge you are. We’re introduced to two siblings: a brother, Fearchu, and his younger sister, Aibshe, who are out and about on their way to barter and trade. A slip-up by the kid sister results in her acting out the real-life role of cliff hanger and her big brother coming to her rescue which ends them both in hot water more trouble.
It is here upon finding some temporary shelter that Aibshe discovers a possible way to solve their dilemma, providing a glimpse of hope as the situation is dire. Fearchu the level headed and older big brother knows best and dismisses her curiosity and her way to get help. This is where the plot moves in a way to surprise the reader: brave little Aibshe ventures out and discovers much that flips everything their people have ever known. Game Changer, for real.
This is a one-shot comic that gives a nod to fairy tale stories of old: of siblings out lost together, with something to help them find their way back. I’ve read a lot of comics that range from the four-panel structure to mini-comics that are a few pages long to issues that are 12 pages to the 32-page issues that are more standard. In total the entire story of Don’t Fall is 25 pages and not a page is wasted — Moore successfully wraps it up in a well-written bittersweet ending. Every panel acts as a new puzzle piece to the whole picture.
I can’t end this review without touching on the art: the bright, vivid colors on the cover and the first the pages were part of the selling point for me. The water-color art style of Moore hooked me line and sinker. I appreciate the artist more the more I read the comic, especially the first full page of Aibshe exploring. The page is intricately detailed and shows how our little explorer is progressing. Overall, this is a comic totally worth its price tag that engages and immerses you in a story you’ll enjoy.
This look like a comic you’d like to buy? Purchase a digital copy on Comixology.
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