Review by Frank Plowright

Cathy Malkasian is a unique voice in comics, and therefore a creator to be cherished. Her back catalogue is a succession of fables mixing humans and intelligent animals, always emphasising the poor effects of toxic male power, and that broadly applies to Shadows of the Sea. Doris has won a competition fair and square, but another competitor accompanied by his brothers refuses to accept the validity and sets about her in a lonely area. It’s where a dog made redundant from the Landmine Sniffer Service has ended up, and it accompanies her as they travel onward.

Doris has an uncultured way about her, and finds herself further inland than she’d like, having spent her life near the sea, while the dog is mute, but able to convey emotion and intention. They’re an odd couple, but Malkasian makes clear each is happy with the company. While other characters appear occasionally, Doris and the dog (eventually named as Stanwick) carry Shadows of the Sea, as their growing bond is explored, if never entirely explained.

Absurdism and symbolism are also frequently employed by Malkasian and they’re combined in a key sequence concerning the dog’s shadow. That’s an obvious allusion, but much else about Shadows of the Sea isn’t as easily interpreted. Is it a parable about the negligible value of city life compared to the simplicity of living from the sea? For a while it would seem so, Doris’ views a wholehearted approval, but then there’s a swerve into a statement indicating that pernicious people are found in any location. What is certain is that the cast have to be taken as presented, warts and all, and strange events can either be taken at face value or act as a source for the rabbit hole of interpretation when dreams seem literally crushed.

Malkasian’s accomplished, but eccentric art is possibly an acquired taste with mismatched designs and people twisted strangely, but it’s emotionally strong, and the limited watercolours used create a consistent tone. Scottie dog lovers are going to lose their hearts to the sorrowful dog.

For all the sadness and upset, Malkasian’s worldview is generally optimistic and signifiers of hope occur throughout, eventually resulting in lost souls forming a new community. Your heartstrings will be tugged and your head will be scratched, but immersion in Malkasian’s world is again a rewarding experience.