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Undertow by Ellen Lindner 

Available via Lulu. Read the first chapter for free.

What’s it all about?

Undertow follows the fate of teenager Rhonda, as she struggles to escape an  alcoholic mother, the gang culture, and the encroaching drug problems of 1960s Brooklyn.

What do I like about it?

Lindner creates an interesting character piece, which provides a compelling glimpse into another time and place. The title is very apt, as it’s the literal cause of a tragedy that happens early in the story, and also reflects all the issues that are dragging Rhonda down, such as her family ties, neighbourhood poverty and lack of opportunities.

However, it isn’t depressing or worthy, as we see Rhonda dancing, swearing and drinking. As well as sharing her dreams, hopes and ambitions, while dealing with grief and an increasing attraction to Chuck the social worker.

I wasn’t sure about Chuck as a character to start with as he seems a little too much of a do-gooder but his character grows more complex as his (slightly creepy) interest in Rhonda grows. I could take or leave his female photographer friend, though contrasting Chuck with another character from the rich set does show he is more earnest about his intentions  to help the people of Brooklyn than she is. The photographer seems more interested in exploiting the grief of Rhonda and her friends in the interest of ‘art’.

Lindner uses subtle storytelling, epsecially in the use of dialogue, as the characters leave things unsaid rather than blurting out all their feeling, and uses body language to convey some of the feeling instead. The subtlety takes a little getting used to when we are so used to stories that spell everything out, but this work rewards the attentive reader.

What about the artwork?

Lindner’s art makes good use of expressions, movement and texures in what could easily have been a talking heads story.

I love the panel above, as it portrays so clearly the movement and the joy of finally mastering dance steps, particularly when contrasted with the awful realisation that grips Rhonda in the following panels.

The buildings, cars and scenery in the backgrounds also help conjure up the 1960s atmosphere and setting of the story.

Why might Girly Comic readers like it?

It gives us a rounded female character who is trying to live life on her own terms, rather than taking the so-called easy option which others are trying to push her towards. Plus cool dresses and cars!