Peter Panzerfaust #8

Written by: Laura Hong-Tuason, CC2K Comics Editor

Did you know that for every child that says, “I don’t believe in fairies”, a fairy somewhere falls down dead? Well that’s kind of the same for “Peter Panzerfaust”. If you don’t believe in this remarkable series, it’ll cease to exist. So please believe, believe, BELIEVE and prepare to be dazzled!

Writer: Kurtis J. Wiebe
Illustrator: Tyler Jenkins

As an overview, “Peter Panzerfaust” is a reimagined version of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”. The story takes place in World War II and tells the tale of orphans escaping and fighting against the Nazi occupation of France. These Lost Boys are led by the one and only Peter, who is very real and human in character and not at all mythical like in the classic. The story is told through recollections, as each new arc has a different narrator providing his own perspective and reflection on past events.

In issue #8, Peter and the Lost Boys attempt once again to free their buddy Felix, who has been captured for some time and is soon to be sent off to Germany. This is their final chance. The war hasn’t been so kind to the boys as of late, so will that change now in the boys’ most dire hour of need? Perhaps yes, perhaps no. You’ll just have to find out for yourself. Fortunately if you’re new to this series, Wiebe makes it easy to jump on board.

This issue was a heart-wrenching one, although it doesn’t compare to #5, which is a personal favorite of mine. It begins with the first ever appearance by Nana, the dog who was left behind when the Darlings made their initial escape. Readers get inside Nana’s head, channeling her loneliness and desperation to get back what she lost because of the war: the love of the Darlings.

But Nana’s moving story isn’t unique to just her. It’s a story that’s known and felt by many and sets up the universal somber tone and hopeful wishing that every character in the series feels. Loneliness and loss become motivators to take action and get back what they all had to become whole again. In the case of this issue, that object of desire is family because in a time war, family is everything. Nana’s story is a tragic one that parallels that of Wendy’s and the Lost Boys’ and reflects the hardships of war.

Concerning the art, it was decent with faults lying in a few pages of framing. It’s difficult to tell what is happening in certain action sequences, which ultimately downplays the reveal at the end in the midst of all the confusion. Other than that, the creative team did a superb job on the issue.

By the way, I was kidding about the series ceasing to exist if you don’t believe in it. Wiebe and Jenkins have reported that they are in it for the long run and will not cut the series short despite mediocre sales. Take it from me, it’s a great series and is by far the #1 comic I look forward to every month. It takes a few issues for Wiebe to get the ball rolling for his story, but the depth you get from him in the long run is worth it.

Have hope, faith, and believe. You won’t be disappointed with this series.