Comic Review – Word Smith by Stephen Kok

We love indie comics, and we are always excited when we learn of a new Australian project! Word Smith is a refreshing and fun new steampunk adventure story for all ages, written by prolific Sydney-based comic creator Stephen Kok. This is the first graphic novel in what will be an ongoing series, and the story follows Victoria, a “word smith” or rather someone who can fashion words into magic, instilling the word with emotional power.

One day a young baker comes to Victoria asking her to make a word that will inspire her husband. The baker gifts her husband George with the enchanted word, only to find that Victoria’s magic has an undesired effect on him. George is suddenly inspired to give up his life running a bakery with his wife in order to set out on his own adventure. Victoria and her friendly dragon sidekick Sparky, embark on a mission to find George and convince him to change his mind and return with them, back to his bakery and his wife. Victoria and Sparky enlist the services of airship captain Dimitri, who has his own problems following fast on his heels. The band of companions set sail for the Misty Forests, but not before they manage to collect a child stow-away!

There is a lot to love about Word Smith. Kok’s graphic novel offers a well-paced story, with endearing characters. Words can hold the power to instil great happiness, sadness, motivation or inspiration, however the theme of this story is that words can be used as gifts or as weapons. It is an interesting concept, and one that holds many possibilities for future storylines. The artwork in Word Smith is beautifully done, with art by P.R. Dedelis and colours by Peyton Freeman. Kok independently published Word Smith, via a impressively successful Kickstarter campaign, along with funding from the Creative Partnerships Australia Match Lab program. 

Word Smith is heart-warming fun for all ages. You can learn more about Word Smith, and Stephen Kok’s other graphic novels online.