Review: Paradigm #1

This article originally appeared in Strangehaven issue issue #14, June 2002.

Paradigm #1
by Matthew Cashel & Jeremy Haun [Two Irish Guys Press]
March 2002/$3.00 US
Comic book [6.75” x 10.25”] 40 pages B/W;
laminated colour cardstock cover
www.paradigmcomic.com

Several months ago I received a photocopied dummy of a new comic from a pair of independent creators, as I often do. But unlike many of the unsolicited submissions that I receive (despite my disclaimer in the indicia of this magazine), they were not looking for a publisher, nor looking for a critique, but a quote for use in advertising.

Firstly I was flattered to be asked to provide a quote, which is a compliment in itself. But then I was horrified – suppose I couldn’t find anything nice to say about their work? A creator has to be truthful in any recommendation he may give; otherwise he may undermine his own credibility. Then there’s the potential awkwardness of declining the offer.

Fortunately, I needn’t have worried. Paradigm (despite its rather pretentious and obscure title) is a superb piece of work, all the more impressive in that it’s from two unknown creators. Jeremy Haun’s artwork is crisp and highly representational – reminiscent of Vince Danks (for those who remember his self-published Sapphire and later work for Caliber) and Matthew Cashel’s script is full of good ideas with an interesting twist at the end.

And the quote? Here’s what I gave them: