Szarlotka by Jas Hice

Szarlotka by Jas Hice
Frog Farm 2024
80 pages, 4.5x6.2
Risograph Federal blue and scarlet on natural paper.

One of Comics Blogger's favorite comics of 2024.

A supremely creepy atmospheric story of a young mother being stalked by a
man in her neighborhood. She just wants to love her child, play music and
do her day job. The overbearing Wlad has other ideas. What appears to start
as a casual meeting and small talk quickly escalates to unwanted gifts,
harassment and a confrontation. This small thick comic printed at the
Risolab in NYC (in handsome Federal Blue and Scarlet) is composed of small
moments and scenes that build upon themselves as the tension ratchets up.
Hice’s line is delicate and assured. Drawing beautiful contours punctuated
with staticky texture in minimalist compositions. The attractive art acts as a
foil to the oppressive tone that looms over every interaction. The feeling that
someone out there is watching. This has been billed a ‘soft thriller.’ I’m not
sure there’s much soft about it. It’s sharply observed and written. Pared
down but never lacking. It’s a real page turner, and the effect is lingering.