By: Chris Stead
What makes a good Goth comic? It must be a little dark, the humor has to be a little twisted, perhaps even silly, and monsters always make for good reading. Voltaire’s “Oh My Goth” or Roman Dirge’s “Lenore” definitely meet these criteria, as does Batton Lash’s “Supernatural Law.” Wait, what? You haven’t been reading “Supernatural Law?” You’re missing something great. Batton says that he feels the idea of the comic comes off as a little “dry” at times, but if one were to read his work it is hardly so. Lighthearted and fun would be a better description. The idea of the comic is two lawyers take up casework for monsters. Frankenstein’s Monster, The Wolfman and many other creatures have come for legal advice from Wolff and Byrd.
Batton says that he “wished goth was around when he was much younger … they get all the fun stuff.” With fun stuff he is referring to the culture, the clothes, the angst and the horror movies. With this it becomes really easy to see why Goths should definitely be into Batton’s work. Although the comic was originally geared towards lawyers, Batton says that it is really intended for anyone. Moreover, it does have everything that a Goth could want. It has, well, the clothes, the angst and monsters! Especially in the Deathrock crowd, who wouldn’t want to see monsters finally get their due?
Batton says that he publishes a different comic as well called Mavis. Mavis is the assistant to Wolff and Byrd, at early on in the comic, Mavis has some dealings with the Goth crowd. Have no fear, Batton undoubtedly made light of the culture, just as he does with anything that crosses the pages of his work. This is, most likely, the best reason to read “Supernatural Law.” I have yet to meet a Goth that doesn’t think that popular culture is a joke. Something of a farce, to be picked at, made light of and otherwise joked about. Batton agrees. Nothing in life should be taken so seriously! If you have Voltaire’s collected works, but you aren’t reading this, you’re missing out.
Read more about Batton and Supernatural Law in the September issue of Gothic Angst Webzine and at the following sites:
Supernatural Law Webcomic
Exhibit A Press
