I finally got my hands on the fourth issue of Street Angel, which seems to have disappointed some fans of the series. It’s a significant change of pace from the first three, certainly, but I think it’s the strongest chapter of the title so far.
It’s a “day in the life” story, following Jesse through the alleys of Wilkesborough as she searches for food. There’s none of the kinetic action of previous installments, and the comedy is gentler and more rueful than usual. At the same time, it’s consistent with the underlying tone of the series, which is quite a trick.
One of the things I most admired about the first three issues of Street Angel was the creators’ ability to ground the comic insanity in the unpleasant reality of Jesse’s circumstances. Mixed in among the ninjas and pirates and assorted mayhem were poignant reminders of the fact that the protagonist was a homeless teen-ager. Jim Rugg and Brian Maruca folded these moments in without melodrama or fanfare, making them more powerful and purposeful.
In Street Angel 4, they bring those moments to the forefront to what I think is stunning effect. I’ve always been partial to change-of-pace issues, and this one is a particularly ambitious example. It’s also very necessary, in my opinion, as it grounds Jesse’s situation. It confirms that the heroine’s homelessness isn’t one of the gags, tracing the more mundane difficulties and dangers she faces when she isn’t putting down bizarre thugs.
Some of the art is nothing short of virtuosic. The early pages consist of full-page and large-panel shots, following Jesse from dumpster to trash can. They emphasize a sense of place and have a kind of back-alley lyricism. At the same time, the visuals never lapse into “suffering porn.” Despite their scale, these sequences don’t overstate anything. The smaller-panel work that follows is equally effective, with some very expressive character work.
And it’s the character work, both visual and verbal, that ultimately sells this comic for me. Jesse is a homeless kid, and her youth is communicated awfully well. She’s surprisingly compassionate and has a well-defined social conscience for someone so young. At the same time, she has anxieties and insecurities that are heightened by the ongoing deprivation she faces. When Jesse worries about looking bad in front of a classmate, it’s teen angst at a whole different level.
Like the three issues that preceded it, Street Angel 4 is a surprising comic. For me, it’s less of a change of pace than it is a welcome focus on a fundamental aspect of the protagonist. As such, it rounds out the world of the comic with sensitivity and considerably artistry. It’s an unexpectedly moving chapter in a sterling title.