(image from Kaboom studios website)
In Roger Langridge's Snarked #4, we are left with a moment of reflection by one of the oldest literary creations ever-- that dreamer, that man of La Mancha, the wise, mad, beautiful romantic Don Quixote.
As Wilburforce J. Walrus and Company dash off, after being assisted by the old knight, whom one presumed to be the white knight of the gate (i.e., from the Looking Glass story) from an earlier issue, we are left with a surprising commentary on the concluding panels:
Walrus: Many thanks Whitey--you're a gentlemen and a scholar.
Knight: (smiling) They ALL say that!
Knight: ( now alone on an empty street at night, standing next to a rather wearied looking horse and he himself drops into an expression of a sad understanding) Yep--they all say that. Then they grow up....and they do. / Ah, well. S'pose it's for the best. Come, Rocinante...Let's get some hot cocoa.
(The final panel shows them ambling off into the night, with the cheshire cat watching them).
While Snarked has been a showcase of Langridge's love of Caroll (through a really solid character building by the way), this nod to Cervantes and one of the most famous imaginative creations in literary history is presented in a quite frankly moving moment. I have no idea if Langridge plans on bringing back the impossible dreamer and his trusty steed (maybe some Sancho Panza action as well??), but for now its always nice that some of our old literary friends remind us that they are still around if we need them to save the day or make us smile for a moment even if we have grown up.
Snarked issues 1-5 are out in your local comic store now, or possibly available online. It is published by Kaboom!. You can also visit the webpage built by Langridge snarkisland.com
