Written by: Rick Spears
Art by: James Callahan
Publisher: Oni Press
After putting down Rick Spears’ nonsensical wonder, I wasn’t sure what I’d just been through. I was ravaged by violence and my mind was swimming in a tequila-induced serenity. I enjoyed The Auteur, Sister Bambi #1. There is enough to keep the most distracted reader from putting this down and the themes and ideas displayed are nothing like the standard. Rick has written a story that delves into the psyche of a fool that is in love with the idea of Hollywood and will do all he can to get that picture made, regardless of his own pride being left in a sticky mess on the floor. Following on from the last volume of The Auteur, Nathan T. Rex is no longer part of the Hollywood meat train. We are somewhere between Argentina and Bolivia and our protagonist (if we can call him that) is in discussions with three rich, fascist movie producers who are all dead-set on making the most exploitative movie yet.
With every page, I felt the images punching me in the temples—there is a gritty aura to the look of Sister Bambi—the style reminds me of a Mike Judge cartoon—basic in nature but the pale palette allows the story to run right through it. The more chaotic scenes are drawn well, even if some of the faces are a little disproportioned but all in all, James Callahan has done a good job in bringing Sister Bambi #1 to life.
Rick Spears is clearly mad—the kind of frenzied genius that reminds you of Hunter S. Thompson or William S. Burroughs. The moments when Mr Rex is in the desert, talking to a lizard brings about a Fear and Loathing contrast without drowning you in it—the same when Nathan is attempting to convince the producers to make his movie—I am reminded by the shocking bluntness of Naked Lunch, whether Rick was inspired by the book or not. This comic only grazes familiar territory though—Sister Bambi #1 is ridiculously inventive and original and there are few comics out today that do what Rick has done. There is also a real wit to the story and as you read it, you find yourself impressed with the intelligent nature of its humour. Through all the sexual undertones and over-the-top violence, there is a deeper understanding to what is on the surface. It is about a guy trying to make a film but the backbone of what is being said is more darker than that; Hollywood and the movie industry is just as exploitative as the films it wants to make and those with all the money can do what they want because they can buy what they want.
Some of the story can be a little convoluted at times—it tries to introduce too much in the issue without allowing other parts of the story to breathe first. We are introduced to many characters that struggle to find their place with only Nathan and Sister Bambi leaving a lasting impression on me; however, it would be unfair to scorn at such a trivial matter so early on in the run and I fully expect the series to go from strength to strength. The Auteur: Sister Bambi #1 is a fun, smart reflection on the movie industry that assaults your senses and challenges your perceptions of what a comic should be, without making you feel uncomfortable or stupid in the process.
