Broken Frontier

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream meets Monty Python in Firetower Studios’ quirky modern fantasy The Order of Dagonet.

Promising “a different kind of British Invasion”, Jeremy Whitley and Jason Strutz’s The Order of Dagonet chronicles the return of Faerie to the shores of the British Isles and the call to arms of an obscure order of knights charged with thwarting the magical invasion. Blending the best and worst pop culture has to offer with razor-sharp satire and light-hearted cynicism, Dagonet features one of the most original takes on the conventional quest tale to come along in quite some time.

Named after King Arthur’s fictional jester Sir Dagonet, the titular order of knights converge on England at the behest of a desperate Merlin, who calls them into action to stop a magical invasion spearheaded by the king and queen of Faerie, Oberon and Titania. Most appropriately comprised of jaded British celebrities somewhat more intent on their own comfort and careers, than on saving Jolly Old, this modern Order of Dagonet would seem doomed to failure before they even set out on their glorious quest.

Featuring riffs on familiar UK writers, musicians, and actors, Whitley’s talent for satire is as exceptional as his understanding and passion for all things British. Playing all of the angles, no one famous (or infamous) personage or institution is safe from his rapier wit. From overt slapstick portrayals of the monarchy and British parliamentarians to subtle swipes at America’s siphoning of UK talent and the penchant for knighting pretty much anybody, Whitley’s gentle yet pointed ribbing contributes much to Dagonet’s unique tone.

Whitley’s partner on this mad romp matches him gallop for gallop, with psychedelic visuals and innovative page layouts that evoke a singularly UK feel. Jason Strutz obviously shares his collaborator’s passion for British culture and art. His work wouldn’t be out of place in 2000 AD and evokes McCarthy’s flair for design and texture. From the wonderful BBC broadcast ring panels opening each issue to his raw-edged renditions of the denizens of Faerie, Strutz’s unique style helps single out Dagonet from the rest of the small press herd.

A frivolous, magical adventure poking fun at everything British, The Order of Dagonet is available in single issues or collected in this handy tome on Firetower Studios’s website. Highly recommended.