God save ‘er.

Jamie Me has begun a story that feels apropos of today’s political climate: a woman is offered the chance to cut through the nonsense of bureaucracy to do some good on behalf of those whose voices (we assume) have been muted by the system.  With the recent election nightmares here in the States, it’s a scary glimpse into the anger that pundits believe is underlying the electorate at the moment, and the moral quandaries that accompany it.

There’s not much plot given in this first issue; we have a phone conversation that seems to kick off the decision-making for our protagonist, a Minister in the British Parliament being offered the chance to become the Prime Minister and bring respectability back to the office.  It seems that this will be an exploration of the pros and cons of our current systems of democracy.  Do we really want anyone to be able to lead, when certain decisions can have world-spanning repercussions (such as Brexit), or should there be some sort of base level of competency that we should be asking for in our leadership?  And can someone implement unattractive policy that will eventually produce popular results without losing the support to push it past the uncomfortable stage where the benefits can be reaped?

The artwork in this work comes across as very British, with a subdued palette that reinforces not only an American’s imagining of England but also reinforcing the mutability of the choices being considered.  There’s not much in the way of action, as things are primarily happening in our protagonist’s head, but the compositions are stark and telling in their way of supporting the narrative.  Distracted and pensive looks surrounded by the everyday casual grace of people surrounding her seem to be the primary style of the book, and it reminds the reader very well of British dramas high on tension and muted passions.

Fans of slow-burn thrillers and political intrigue will enjoy Queen thoroughly.  The content is current and interesting and will cause anyone to question themselves and the world they live in in a positive and constructive way.  There’s good conversation that work like this can inspire, and, one way or another, it will stay with you after you finish it.

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