Webcomics Wednesday: Flipside

Flipside by Brian Foulke
Fantasy/Drama

Technical: 8/10
Writing: 6/10
Originality: 7/10
Impact: 6/10

While I was still in highschool, I stumbled across the first incarnation of Flipside, a manga-style graphic novel by Brian Foulke. Back then, the comic had an amateur charm and I, in all my teenage glory, was in awe of Foulke's ability to draw page after page, with characters I enjoyed.
This part of the comic has been retitled 'Book 0' and since I fell out of reading webcomics, he's began a new incarnation of Flipside.
Much like the incarnation of the comic, I've come back to Flipside with a new perspective as well. I have been delightfully surprised by the new version, it's technical advancements and character development. At times I have also been disappointed by plot lines seemingly contrived from thin air and a rather awkward beginning.
The new flipside began with the energy of one of my favourite comic characters, Maytag. I was excited to see her new conceptualization, buy found her initial speach quite trite and heavy handed. Luckily, Maytag quickly becomes the cornerstone of the series. Her ability to talk down a situation is impressive, and her humanizing of a situation brings an interesting twist to the fantasy genre.
Flipside is an online comic that effectively broaches philosophy, sex and gender issues. Much like 'book 0', the supporting characters leave a bit to be desired. Crest in particular is quite a two dimensional character and I was relieved when the story line moved away from his girl troubles and cliché dislike of the knights.
In a world where webcomics spring up like weeds, it becomes difficult to know what is worth your time and what isn't. Flipside is a top 10 webcomic on TWC and a long time favourite of mine. If you enjoy a good fantasy story, but are also looking for something a little different than a weak Tolkien rip-off epic adventure, flipside is a good place to start in the webcomic world.