I Kill Giants #2 (OF 7)

I was familiar with the lure of the 20 side die as a child. I once wore a Superman cape for an entire summer when I was 5. I loved the idea of being something else, something more exciting. This book has managed to tap into the feeling from when I was a child.

Barbara (the main character) is an outsider amongst outsiders. Her DnD group even considers her a bit odd. She has the same grim determination of Wolverine or Conan but she directs it towards her peers and her job of "Killing Giants." This isn't just a job she does on the side, it defines her and she isn't afraid to let everyone know about it.  Kelly & Nimura have managed to create an atmosphere where we don't quite know what is fantasy and what is real. I expect a Giant to pop out at any second, and for everyone to go running to Barbara. Then again...it could all be in Barbara's head. I love how I don't know where it is going.

The real resonance comes from the introduction of Sophia, a new girl who has moved next door and wants to befriend Barbara. We start to see Barabara's grimness melt away...just a touch. Her explanation of the history Giants captures the imagination and enthusiasm of a young geek who wants nothing more than to share her interests.

The scene that left the biggest impression? Her explaining that she has named her weapon after Harry Coveleski, a Polish pitcher from the turn of the century. A scrappy young guy who helped the Phillies defeat the mighty Giants. It just reminds me of myself as kid. You feel like nothing about you is cool, so you absorb all the interesting facts you can. You attach them to yourself.

Nimura's art captures subtle changes in Barbara, you can feel when she retreats to "Giant Killing" in the face of a bully.

Two issues in and I am hooked.  A perfect twenty on charm.