Andrew Wheeler

Travis Moore

Tamra Bonvillain

Sins of the Black Flamingo

Geoffrey Froggatt

I was immediately surprised by how much I loved this. I admit I only picked this up because the cover art intrigued me but this had so much of what I love out of a story. Sebastian Harlow is the Black Flamingo, a flamboyant and narcissistic thief who gets his kicks stealing mystic artifacts from the wealthy and corrupt of Miami's occult underground. I loved how easily this first issue introduced the characters and the world. The world building was effortless and immediately painted a picture that was easy to pick up on. I loved how we immediately learn many things all within a few pages. We have a flamboyant thief who steals mystical artifacts with the help of his magical partner in crime, all set in a colourful Miami setting with a film noir tone. I loved how cynical our protagonist is and how colourful his narrative voice was. I’m immediately interested in this story, especially with the cliffhanger in this first chapter. The artwork was stunning and stylish, and I loved the art style paired with this fantastical noir setting. I highly recommend this comic for fans of urban fantasy and especially urban fantasy noir. This run ends with a message: The Black Flamingo will return. And honestly? Thank god. This comic was one of the most creative and fun things that I’ve seen from the Western comic world in years, and easily carries the most potential for future instalments. This story had everything I could have wanted: urban fantasy noir, morally grey protagonist, LGBT+ characters, dark magic, mystical artifacts and cursed objects, the supernatural and the occult, and so much more. I loved how the story wraps up (despite not delivering as much of an exciting climax as I wanted) and easily sets up the foundation for so much more. I loved these characters and this world. I loved the art work and the story’s tone and style. The idea of setting an urban fantasy noir in a bright Miami setting was inspired and I loved that contrast. I loved that this story was unapologetically gay and queer, and it all felt natural in terms of storytelling. In a world where representation is used by shallow and hollow executives to make a quick buck, this was a labour of love that you could tell was made with passion. I just know that there were actual LGBT+ people in the writers room on this one and it absolutely shows and shines through because of that. I loved all the colourful characters and supernatural elements of this world with its unique style and narrative voice, and I’m so excited to see where this world and these characters go in the future.

Sins of the Black Flamingo

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