Inkblot #7 // Review
A fallen inkwell formed a little black cat under the influence of strange mystic forces. The comically oblivious cat's curiosity has been the source of a great deal of frustration for the young spell-caster who inadvertently created it. The cat proves to be something other than a danger in the seventh issue of Inkblot. Artist Emma Kubert and Rusty Gladd's adventure continues with a little black cat with huge green eyes. The cat's comic mystery gains a few added dimensions in a fun, little excursion into realms of magic that feel fresh and original.
Eliza is a teenager. She and her friends are setting up for a party. Eliza has more or less made friends with the cat that has been plaguing her. She's found a certain amount of comfort in magic. It's a perfect time for a little get-together with friends. Too bad there's an old lady who arrives to suggest responsibility that Eliza doesn't seem to be aware of. And then there's a creature that comes out of the Void to make matters worse. The party is in jeopardy, and things are going astray, but this time the cat might actually be able to help.
Kubert and Gladd open the world of Inkblot considerably this issue. Some of the cat's mystery gets revealed as it evidently comes from The Void, the same Void as the threat the suddenly appears to threaten the party. The Void Cat doesn't realize its potential; there could be tremendous power in the single "boop" of its tiny paw. Eliza gains some considerable charisma in this issue. Her overall level of confidence and amiability advances as she is placed in a solidly social setting and forced to deal with a powerful threat.
The cat has never failed to be anything other than adorably funny. Kubert hasn't had any difficulty bringing that to the page in issues past. This issue excels beyond that in a story that also allows her to render drama and emotion in a larger ensemble of characters than she has worked with in the past. The cat, the old woman, Eliza, her friends, and even the demon from The Void all have a great deal of appeal in a story of surprising depth. It's just a single monster at a single party, but the issue has an enjoyable momentum about it.
Much like the cat at the center of its story, Inkblot had been popping in and out of narratives. In various places in the course of its run so far. Every now and then, the story lurches forward and gracefully pounces its way into a sudden plot revelation or plot development. It's been a bit difficult getting used to the narrative rhythm that Kubert and Gladd have been working with, but it's been a great deal of fun. The seventh issue catches Eliza AND her cat in a very endearing light that once again secures the series' charm.
