After the successful release of his breakout series, Cognition, with artistic partner Sam Bentley, writer Ken Reynolds has now opted for a different tack in the interim as he focuses on a more personal story. His new book, In Trouble follows a young lady discovering she’s pregnant… just as she learns the World will end. Is In Trouble a comic that can breathe new life into slice of life comics or will it be obliterated upon release?

Publisher: Ken Reynolds Comics
Writer: Ken Reynolds
Artist: Ken Reynolds
Price: £3 at Thought Bubble

In Trouble tells the Story of Blue Skelton and young woman who is attempting to start a new life out in the Country back on the farm where she was raised with her boyfriend Jarvis. But this relocation isn’t exactly the life she had planned for, and more questions are asked when old friends ponder what the future holds for herself and her Beau. However, Blue’s world turns on it’s head when she realises she might be pregnant at the exact same moment the news reports some truly world ending news.

Ken Reynolds has produced a rather enjoyable little comic which really sells a lovely charm that you can only really get in a slice of life comic. The key to this are the characters, all of whom come across as incredibly real, as well as very likeable. Key among this is Blue, whose narration throughout this issue is equal parts humorous and adorable with her descriptions and offering of information (such as of the reproductive cycle). Of course, this doesn’t make the book anything like that title as the humour from the characters along with the plot makes this more Bridget Jones (‘s baby) meets Seeking a Friend For The End for the World. However, while the characters are charming and the premise interesting, the plot is a little slow going as this first issue is merely set up for the oncoming tale.

As for the artwork, Ken Reynolds really changes things up compared to his previous works by offering his own pencils and what we get is a really cool cartoonist style which consistently conveys the light-hearted tone that the story seems to give off. The main draw is the characters, who are depicted just human enough to provide the necessary emotion but are slightly different that they project a certain warmth. While this is the case for the majority though, Reynolds also pushes the boundaries with some great pages scattered through the book, such as the inverse monochrome of a star lit sky or Blue’s various astronomy and sex ed pages, as well a terrific 9 panel page which focuses on Blue and Jarvis when the newsflash hits in a unique but interesting way.

Overall, while the plot of this issue is a little sluggish, the premise of the story which it is starting to tell, as well as the terrific characterisation and adorable art, make In Trouble something worth looking into. For those who have faced the big questions in life (and who of us hasn’t), you may find this relatable and if you don’t, well, it isn’t the end of the world.