Title: Tales from the Ark: Checkmate

Follow the rabbit. A review of " Checkmate" by Karol Weber

"Checkmate" by Weber is another story in the "Tales from the Ark" series. It seems that although each story is essentially a separate tale, the series weaves together into some whole, full of mysterious characters. Into what kind of a whole? We'll probably find out once the whole thing is published.

Before we get to the review, noteworthy throughout the series is the choice of illustrator. In "The Ark" it fell on Gedeon, or Daniel Grzeszkiewicz, who disappeared from Polish comics for some time. However, he returned in the company of Weber, and it's an excellent return because his light line and unparalleled talent in giving character to the illustrated characters works perfectly in "Ark". Gedeon creates images that are not obvious, bordering on childish imagination, phantasmagoria, perhaps even delusion. The use of mixed techniques adds a personal ritual to his art, but above all, it brilliantly introduces the symbolic or perhaps rather allegorical, worlds created by Weber.

For in "Checkmate," Weber takes us to an unspecified world depicted more closely. Everything takes place in a subterranean reality created by him, in which people (?) have created an alternative - or perhaps the only one still existing - universe. Already this is disturbingly symbolic, and as if that weren't enough, we get characters, reminiscent of an angel and a demon, a rabbit (not coincidentally associated here with "Alice in Wonderland"), and - in this context, howbeit - mirrors.

However, those who expect a slick tale that will awaken some emotions, but which will be quickly forgotten after reading it, may be sorely mistaken. I like how Weber builds his allegorical worlds in "Checkmate," I like the fact that the main character faces dramatic choices, and I like the non-obvious struggle between good and evil and the plot twist associated with it. But what I like most of all is the character of the rabbit, who is absolutely fantastically illustrated, adding to the whole story a bit of symbolism and a bit of a sassy wink to the reader's eye.

So what don't I like? The name of the heroine. I find it difficult to travel through underground worlds with this Nicola, although, God beware, I have nothing personal against any Nicola. However, this is a detail that is my very personal observation and in no way impinges on the value of the story being told.

Additional respect to both filmmakers for the beautifully presented sex scene, which is simply woven into the story. They don't make it a canvass, get unhealthily excited about it, or turn the comic into an embarrassing erotica.

(mak)