Why I Read: The Piano Tuner’s Niece
Hi, everybody! Delta-v returns to you bearing another webcomic with an interesting premise. What if a coming-of-age story really did hinge on the character’s coming of age?
Author T. Stimac who, with artist Margaret Lyon produce this little gem, gave me permission to introduce you to his brainchild, so let’s go see what’s going on in the life of The Piano Tuner’s Niece.
Synopsis:
Sixteen year old Oriens Arianna Astrum (Ari, as she is known) is looking forward to her seventeenth birthday in one more day. An orphan who never really knew her parents as they died tragically when she was very young, Ari lives with her somewhat overprotective uncle, Tobin Markov, the piano tuner of the title. Uncle Tobin makes a fairly good living–nothing flashy–just enough to care for Ari. They have a mutually affectionate relationship, and Ari is content.
Ari’s two best friends, Kim and Sam, have been her support in the stressful atmosphere of high school, and are also a comfortable fit for her. They go almost everywhere together, and get along well, in spite of being very different from each other.
On this day of all days, this pleasant existence is marred by what could only be an attempt to injure or kill the trio as they walk to school. Kim and Sam seem to take it in stride, but Ari is deeply troubled. Her unease is increased as someone seems to be watching her.
That evening, as the three meet for an evening out. Ari’s world is suddenly turned upside down as they are attacked by horrors beyond her nightmares, and she suddenly learns that she really doesn’t know her friends much at all. Rushing to escape, she is cornered again but rescued by a rather arrogant guy who seems to think that she has to do what he says. She teaches him otherwise, and heads for home, only to find that he has followed her. He rather forcefully introduces himself as Andrell (A.k.a. Wilder). He brings with him a ball of light that turns out to be a minor angel named Jethriel.
Andrell (Wilder seems to be more of a title than a name) then explains that nothing she thought she knew is right, she’s not who or what she thought she was, and while Heaven is mildly interested enough to send Jethriel, Hell, in the person of an Arch-demon named Mammon, wants her very badly, and will endeavor to capture her before she turns seventeen.
At this point, a message arrives from Raral, one of Mammon’s sub-demons.
The reason for his confidence is that he has Kim and Sam as hostages. Ari, Wilder and Jethriel mount a rescue which eventually succeeds, but in the process, Ari learns that except for her uncle, all of her life was a lie. As the dust settles, she is faced with the realization that Hell still wants her, and that she has two sets of protectors who don’t like each other, out of which, one is an angel (sort of), one is a demon, and only one is human……..
During the battle to rescue her friends, Ari also turns seventeen, and, in accordance with her nature, comes of age.
How I Found It:
I clicked on it’s thumbnail on my Top Web Comics Favorites page.
T. Stimac is on Twitter and tumblr, and Margaret Lyon is on Facebook, Twitter, tumblr, and deviantART.
Why I Like It:
The writing is very good, and draws the reader into the world of the story (a trait I look for), and the characters are believable within the somewhat outre premise of the comic. The various characters also seem to be designed more as if T. was balancing a videogame than following expected custom. It’s a rather bold and risky move, but it works nicely, as the lack of overwhelming power on one side or the other adds drama and tension to the story.
Making the Wilder a sort of Neutral Chaos character was also a nice touch, I thought, because it gives him much more latitude to be smug, arrogant, annoying and extremely effective all at the same time. It’s pretty hard to pick, but I think he’s my favorite so far.
The dialog is also first-rate, especially the banter with it’s wry humor. The other exchanges are very believable, once again, given the premise.
The thread of humor stitched throughout the tapestry of the story, was a great counterpoint to the horrific creatures and situations. I was especially taken with the scene where Ari and Jethriel discuss Wilder’s file drawer while he’s trying to explain Ari’s nature.
The artwork also exerts a strong influence over the story, fleshing out the narrative, and demonstrating how one image can take the place of a myriad of words. The movement, body language, and expressions are spot-on, establishing mood, creating a flow that leads the eye from point to point naturally.
The art is crisp, and clean, dynamically shaded with a palpable three-dimensional feel. I have some eye problems, and need a little stronger contrast than most to see detail, and I had no problem with that here. I also found it interesting that Margaret took pains to make Ari look like an average cute, pleasant-faced teenager rather than a beauty queen. I really appreciated that, as I think it adds to the realism of the situation.
The art also enhances the humor nicely. Ari’s various glares, Kim catching Ari’s apple, Wilder doubled over at a certain point or struggling with the dumpster made things even funnier, and I appreciated all of it.
Things I Think Could Be Better:
T. explained to me why the comic doesn’t have a comment section. I still miss it, but he has his reasons, and he’s not likely to change.
Final Thoughts:
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Piano Tuner’s Niece to anyone who likes a good read–especially if said person has a well-developed sense of humor, and isn’t prone to nightmares from seeing some really disturbing nasties. What can I say: It’s a very funny horror comic.
Both T. and Margaret are friendly and social, so those wishing to say “Hi” can use the social media links that they provided.
For those who enjoy such things, Ari’s full name, Oriens Arianna Astrum, has a real meaning–let’s see if you can decipher it.
At the very least, you can always vote for them on Top Web Comics. They deserve a boost, and I know they’d appreciate it. You can start with this link right HERE.
All images are the property of the creators of The Piano Tuner’s Niece, and are used by permission.