As its title obviously suggests Short Stories is a collection of Portuguese creator André Caetano’s shorter-form narrative for comics anthologies and other related venues. Publications like this are always a great primer for getting into the work of artists you may not be so familiar with. They can also, on occasion, give us some insights into artistic development, depending on timeframes.
Short Stories is a very satisfying showcase for Caetano’s beautifully expressive linework and fluid visual storytelling, mixing black and white tales with full colour ones. The stories herein are eclectic in theme, jumping across styles and subject matter. Some of the shorter offerings, like the one-page ‘Creepy’ are simply an exercise in letting Caetano bring some horror archetypes to the page while others like ‘What is a Unicorn?’ (below) have a fun epistemological depth to their otherwise comedic presentation.
Some of the other highlights here include ‘Me and Drawing’, a meta reflection on how the art of storytelling itself can transport the creator to other worlds, and ‘Time Travels’ which follows a similar theme but is far more expressive in its trip into the world of imagination.
One of the colour offerings ‘The Hunt’ (above) is an object lesson in how to tell a wordless comics tale with its depiction of a fox lusting for low hanging fruit taking on an ironic twist at the end. The concluding story ‘Life’ (below) initially seems like it’s simply going to be an opportunity for Caetano to visit prehistoric times and draw lots of dinosaurs. Had that been the case it would have been an enjoyable if superficial romp but, again, he finishes the short with a coda that reminds us of the durability and persistence of life.
An excellent introduction into Caetano’s comics in 20-ish perfectly formed pages, and a spotlight on some exquisitely rendered art.
André Caetano (W/A) • Self-published, €10.00
Review by Andy Oliver
