By: Heidi MacDonald,
on 2/9/2016
Aspen Comics relased a preview ahead of this Wednesday’s finale of their second Lola XoXo series. Wasteland Madam began as a holdover until the launch of the official Volume 2 by creator Siya Oum. The book became a welcome chapter to Lola’s still in infancy universe filled with the same fast paced action as the […]
By: Heidi MacDonald,
on 3/11/2015
Story: Siya Oum
Art: Siya Oum
Letters: Josh Reed
Publisher: Aspen
As far as dystopian futures, where blood is spilled in the name of ruling what little civilization the world has left; LOLA XoXo is definitely one of the prettier versions of them. The series has been hit by some unavoidable delays, which Aspen Comics should be commended for sticking to their guns and letting creator Siya Oum finish this volume on her terms, as opposed to convincing her to bring in fill in help. LOLA XoXo #6 closes the series in a trepidatious way, but one that leaves much of the potential for great tales the series started out with.
Issue six brings the end of the standoff between the –salt of the earth—Carnies and the evil corporate Wasteland Trading Company, all with Lola caught in the middle after her friend’s betrayal in the previous chapter. Our protagonist has to gunsling her way out of this and find a way to get back on her mission of finding her family lost among the wasteland. This series is emotionally toned by the losses this character has had to face, and what she’s willing to do in order to ensure her survival despite them. Sia Oym draws on influences from stories like Tank Girl and Josey Wales in order to craft Lola, now we need to see more of what makes her tick.
LOLA XoXo’s strength is the art. From the movie poster like covers, through the interior pages, Siya Oum’s style is a visual treat. Her panels are illustrated like polished storyboards for a film. They go beyond simply setting up a camera angle and conveying everything necessary to understand what’s going on. This is particularly due to her eye-catching colors; they augment her line work and bring in an uncanny level of emotion to the characters. Subtle rose in the cheeks, blemishes on the skin are just some examples of the minor pallet touches she puts in that make all the difference. I want to see Lola smile, cry, frown, and mourn just so I can see more of Oum’s coloring.
If you’ve been following the series you’ll undoubtedly pick up the finale. These thoughts are for those whom fall on the fence about grabbing the trade once it’s released. Overall, Lola started out as a character with potential to be feminine and while out gunning the boys. The last few issues focus a bit too much on the plot at the cost of not letting the character open up to her potential. Though the glimpses of what she could be and the sheer beauty of the pages warrant a look. LOLA XoXo is a worthy introduction to this post apocalyptic world, but I’d definitely like to see both creator and character take more chances in future series.
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