The Council of Frogs- Indie Comic Review- The Power of Little Things
From Second At Best Press
Art and Story by Matt Emmons
Part of the lasting joy that comes from reading comics is the opportunity to discover and invest in the emerging talents of peers equally enamored with the genre and furthering the medium with their own original, daring stories that are almost always precious dreams that miraculously came true through tiresome dedication. This fervid sentiment is no less evident in the latest graphic novel from writer and artist Matt Emmons, who executes his magical tale The Council of Frogs with the narrative subtlety and stylistic gravitas of an industry veteran. If you are looking for an enduring, powerful, whimsical tale to find yourself lost in, then I recommend you support this talented indie self-publisher and this poignant, entertaining, mythical little tale.
I think the biggest selling point I can attest to for The Council of Frogs is its ability to deliver on a delightfully simple premise. This is a book about a frog’s journey. What could be more intriguing than that? (I’m serious.) I suppose what I really mean is that Emmons layers the opening pages of his story with rich, evocative detail and backstory that allows for the reader to become even more invested in the purpose of the titular frog’s journey and more curious about the greater world in which this story takes place.
The Council of Frogs is set in a magically real world that is all at once enchanting and brutally violent. Though the aesthetic of the world is antiquated and more akin to the middle ages, the desperate thematic struggle of our characters holding onto hope in a cruel world feels all too close to home. This intentional decision to balance both the visceral and the wholesome elements of the story is yet another boon to this book’s broader appeal and intrigue, as Emmons could easily have held back from the darker elements in favor of a more saccharine, digestible product. Instead, The Council of Frogs acts as an elevated morality tale more akin to the sentiments of adult animated films and the celebrated works of Studio Ghibli, with an inherently fanciful story that speaks beyond its literal circumstances.
Let’s talk more specifically about this impactful graphic novel, which means,
WARNING! MINOR PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD! BECAUSE I WANT YOU TO SEEK THIS BOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF TO KNOW THE FULL STORY!
Purusing the “Extras” section of this novel after the dramatic conclusion, Emmons treats the reader to concept art with added context revealing that this story was originally derived from elements of a D&D campaign and his player character in that game that would eventually become the character, Gholkin, in this graphic novel. I mention this detail because I find it incredibly inspiring as it speaks to the roundabout way in which inspiration can strike and stories can be honed and crafted. I think that a great deal of fledgling writers and artists believe that a story has to begin and fit a certain formula, but I have never found it that simple personally, and The Council of Frogs is a sterling example of how to evolve an existing story into something timeless and great.
Our story begins with a graphic prologue in which we witness the demise of a “battlemage” in the swamplands on the battlefield of some forgotten war. As the mage sinks to the bottom of the swamp, his magic is released into the water and he inadvertently hatches a batch of frog spawn, arising once more as an undead lich whose essence is bound to the lives of these little creatures. What’s more, with the power of the undead mage, the frogs are given the ability to sense magic, helping them recognize dangers to their peaceful home. Before we can know more however, the story is cut short, as it is revealed that our narrator is the undead mage himself, retelling the tale of the marshes creation to one of his frog children, who has “a big day” ahead of him.
This opening is truly captivating, drawing the reader into this harsh but beautiful world created from death and kindness and cements the earnest nature of this story before it has even begun. Moreover, it showcases Emmons cinematic eye as our story shifts from above the barren landscape down to the battlefield, diving into the water until we are face to face with an infinitesimally small tadpole in what feels like one fell swoop. This fluid sequence establishes the potent sense of scale and perspective that Emmons incorporates throughout The Council of Frogs to powerful effect.
Next we see the inciting incident of our story as the council of frogs gathers, with candles lit, to convene with their undead protector. Arising from the water, the lich conscripts our protagonist frog for a mission to deliver a message to a powerful protective sorcerer far away from the swamplands. Though the specifics of the message are not made evident, it is clear that this mission is a dire one, and the frog’s kin grant him a traveling cap (a flower) and a sword (a needle) for his journey.
This section illustrates another shining quality of what makes The Council of Frogs such a compelling new work, as the entire scene is treated with a profound sense of reverence and sincerity, which permeates throughout the rest of the story. Rather than being some indiscernible, domineering eldritch force, it is clear from this scene that the undead battlemage ardently loves his frog children and they in turn love him. While large elements of the plot do delve into the fantastic, it is always with the balancing rod of reflective commentary and thorough characterization, which is the mark of an effective story.
From here, we follow our frog protagonist on a silent journey through lands unknown as he battles gigantic predators and the oppressive elements. Once more, Emmons evocative artwork is on display here, capable of carrying us along on this hitherto unseen journey and wordlessly investing us in our primary character. Soon enough however, we are introduced to our protagonist’s companion on his quest, a captured goblin creature named Gholkin, who acts as our primary verbal communicator throughout the journey as well as being a physical representation of the displaced and oppressed magical social class in this world.
Yet, like the most beloved fantasy adventure tales, our frog messenger’s journey is not as simple as it initially appears and he will have to rely on his faith in his family and himself in order to persevere through the litany of challenges beyond his control. The ensemble cast of characters and settings as the story progresses only become more memorable and grand in design, further proving Emmons imaginative vision for this epic saga.
The Council of Frogs is an emotional, sprawling, beautiful adventure tale that highlights the displaced balance of the modern and natural world. It is a shocking reminder of the horrific lengths to which humanity will go in order to stamp out anything remotely beyond its understanding, and our seemingly innate desire to disrupt peace. Most importantly, it is a story that reminds the reader how essential every life is in this world, no matter how small or how different, which is a theme that is surely necessary for the modern reader to discern right now.
Please support Matt Emmons and Second at Best Press by picking up The Council of Frogs, it may very well be the best thing you read this year!
-Nicholas Aaron Hodge
