Ava’s Demon
Webcomic Review
Ava’s Demon is a haunting webcomic from upcoming artist, Michelle Czajkowski. The comic has been running since last year and with steady updates every Monday and Thursday, is gaining both substance and a fanbase. Skyrocketing after a recent kickstarter, we take a look at the evolving story of Ava and her creator.
Michelle Czajkowski is the lone creator of the Ava’s Demon comic, which she updates out of her home in upstate New York. Michelle graduated from the School of Visual Arts for Computer Arts and Animation, interned at Pixar Animation and has worked at Dreamworks Animation! Ava’s Demon is her first webcomic. The site (http://www.avasdemon.com) has a stunning facade for an even more impressive body of work. The detail and effort put into the evolving site is evident and appreciated. It truly is the icing on the cake, enticing new readers to venture further into Michelle’s captivating world.
The story immediately plunges into the disturbed life of a girl named Ava. From the beginning we can identify a strange, modern world, that is somehow quite surreal. Ava Ire, our main character, is a fifteen year old girl with a demon. Literally. An alien life form’s spirit, by the name of Wrathia, attached to her since birth, has been turning her into a social outcast. Just after being expelled from her school, her world is under attack. Escaping her desolated planet as a stowaway with the mysterious transfer student named Odin and her once-friend Maggie. She then embarks on a strange journey to hunt down a seemingly godly deity named “Titan” as payment to her demon, in return receiving the "new life" that she wishes for. The plot is mysterious and you are truly unsure of all character’s, orientation in the story. Who is the protagonist? Who should you trust? The story, still rapidly evolving, has a long list of questions yet to be answered and the continually captivating setting makes it impossible for readers to pull away. Ominous overtones create a definite mood that is slightly unnerving but the outstanding creativity is undeniable.
Michelle displays her unique style even when other style references are implemented. Through the first chapter we can see the development of the artwork, watching as styles evolve and become more detailed and clean while still staying true to the original character designs. Her art instantly sparks an interest, a whimsical style like no other feeds the imagination and enriches the equally unique storyline. Her art moves seamlessly throughout the slides, creating an almost stop-motion movie look with her beautiful and precise implications of movement. Czajkowski displays her animation and presentation skills with periodical videos and special slides showcasing animation. The videos are spellbinding and readers excitedly await anticipated videos! In these videos, Michelle chooses to use original works of music to enhance the experience creating a unique and truly refreshing break from her otherwise inanimate pages while further displaying her wonderful talent.
Michelle has a corresponding blog on Tumblr which features highlights from the comic as well as fan made submissions and tributes. There is also an online store where Ava’s Demon fans can purchase everything from prints, to totes, to throw pillows. Certainly a great way to enhance Ava’s presence both online and in the homes and lives of readers everywhere!
Without a doubt Ava’s Demon offers something to be appreciated by anyone onlooking on the process of the comic. Whether it be the art, animation, music, storyline, characters, or simply the dedication of the author, Ava’s Demon is certainly one of the trailblazers of webcomics, and a wonderful escape into the enjoyably sinister world of Ava Ire!
By Alessia Collia
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