Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Rob Reger, Mariah Huehner
Artist: Cat Farris
Release Date: 25th June 2014

I am not particularly familiar with the Emily the Strange franchise. I can say I’ve seen the character before, but have never read or followed any of the various media outlets she is present in. I can however say that I did rather enjoy this issue and it’s satirical pokes at the record industry. Emily and the Strangers, her band, have just come off winning a competition where the prize was a record contract with Awesomely Awesome Records. Emily, the leader of the group, is not really feeling the contract – in particular its high volume of fine print. The band meets with the Label owner and are all immediately won over by his smile and smooth talk, with the exception Emily. Emily is left with the feeling that something just isn’t what it appears to be, but the band sees the dollar signs and the fame. Will Emily give in to the pressure of conformity to the group or will she stand on her own and find out what exactly is “really” going on with Awesomely Awesome Records?

Rob Reger and Mariah Huehner have crafted a witty and intelligent satire, yet still managed to leave it accessible to young and old alike. I think a lot of musicians tend to have the same outlook Emily has that once they sign they are either selling out or going to be told what music to play and write, and this story really plays on that mindset. You have this group of kids talented enough to win a contest now left with the task of reading the fine print to see what they are actually signing on for, but the majority only sees the fame and the money and not the possibility of destruction of their art. You also get to see a small display of the two guitar players, (even though everyone knows the bass is more important ;)) fighting over who is better and who is the true leader of the band. It’s as if Reger and Huehner are trying to point out that contracts of any kind are never always what they appear to be, and they are worth the time it takes to thoroughly check them out.

I actually find myself in a little bit of anticipation waiting to see what happens with The Strangers next!

Rating: 4/5.

The writer of this piece was: Shane Hoffman (aka “Hoff”)
You can also find Hoff on Twitter.