Let's Review: Camp Bighoof #3

The hunt is on for a mythical figure while trying to keep a camp of foals having fun.

How do these concurrent storylines pair up? Discover the review and some spoilers after the break!

We return to a campground isolated from the outside world, kinda. A mysterious creature on the prowl. And a great many snacks devoured. Strange goings on but as of this third issue I'm growing concerned about the lack of tension. A moment of true meta commentary.

He only ate the Nacho flavored snacks.

Clearly, an indication of his evolved tastes!

The creative duo of artist Kate Sherron and colorist Reggie Graham continue to give this series a distinct look. Graham is not afraid to make heavy use of pure black (often called "rich black" in the print world) to help emphasize events that are taking place at night despite the camp's interior lighting. Shots in the wild swap pallets depending on the time of day with an emphasis on dark violets, blues, and greens. One would think that daytime events might call upon an alternate, almost autumnal set but instead we witness brighter versions of the same categories. It seems that violet is mostly reserved for wooden elements, both natural and crafted. Yet that same color choice applies to the rocks as well. I'm not sure why this color is so prevalent within the artwork but it certainly remains distinct.

An abundance of blues in this panel. Very calming!

The warmer hues are reserved for within the camp, helping to create a sense of security and comfort even in the unknown.

Perspective here is pretty wonky.

I keep expecting Pipp to slide right off that table!

Sherron's depiction of the ponies continues to be a contrast in angles. Some shots look very proportional and true to Make Your Mark. Other angles create a wider, stretched feeling that might fall more in line with Tell Your Tale. The most interesting aspect this issue is the emphasis on ponies engage at literally different levels. Ponies might play with their front ends lowered to the ground and their haunches in the air. A quick check of horse mannerisms suggests that lowered heads and relaxed necks are signs of comfort, but the posture expressed reminds me more of canines signaling a desire to play.

Note that while there are several elevations within this panel,

None of the ponies are depicted as superior to others.

We also witness ponies staying low to the ground in conspiratorial moments, such as sharing a joke at Pipp's expense or whispering about the unknown presence in the valley. We don't see many instances of a pony elevating themselves above the group, but there is at least one panel where Hitch is presented above Sunny and Zipp over the course of an argument.

Now here, Hitch seems just a little bigger as he looks down on the other two.

Said arguement is the main tension for the first half of this issue. While treating the camper to dinner and a performance by Pipp, Sunny and Zipp try to explain their desire to puruse Bighoof, whose consuming camp supplies wasn't as detrimental as I thought. If anything, it seems like it only ate a few snacks while the main food supply is untouched. Hitch is resistant to this investigation because it cuts their numbers by almost half and puts the burden on himself, Izzy, and Pipp to care for all the kids.

Something freaky going on with those eyes!

This could have been the start of a greater conflict. Izzy and Sunny would have to figure out how to meet their responsibilities as camp counselors while still pursuing Bighoof. How far would they be willing to go and would it require placing their charges at risk? After all, their reasons for this are contrasting. Sunny wants to learn more as a means to expand Equestria's knowledge and inclusion while Zipp wants to accomplish something unrelated to her royal lineage. It's a play to have some control in her life.

Don't make eye contact, Hitch!

You'll cave!

While likely unintentional, this does mirror what we witnessed in Chapter 5. Zipp, the driven investigator and Sunny serving as a check to make sure she doesn't go too far or ignores the wellbeing of others. We could have explored this relation further if they had to make tough choices between responsibility and desires.

"Maybe if we set a few mis-behavers out in the open..."

"Zipp, for the last time, stop trying to use our campers as bait!"

Unfortunately, we get an immediate resolution to this conflict as Hitch encounters the Bighoof and immediately changes his mind. If I were in Hitch's hooves, I would consider closing down the camp and moving ponies away from potential risk. Then again, I had the same line of thinking after the rockslide. Instead, Hitch commissions Sunny and Zipp to continue the investigation and keep the information quiet. This does provide a panel that speaks to several ships.

Hitch Trailblazer. A mare magnet.

This is where the lack of inter-character conflict becomes frustrating. The group is not truly trapped. Bighoof did not eat them out of important supplies. Hitch has given his blessing so that nopony is operating recklessly. Add to that witnessing Bighoof retreat from Hitch and I don't sense this great unknown is a threat. One would hope by the third issue we would see a greater conflict taking shape but I get the sense this story does not want to explore how these ponies would behave under pressure. Any loss is more an annoyance than a fresh danger.

"'Sup?"

That said, we are presented with a rare instance in which Izzy becomes upset. A colt's bold and cruel joke draws her ire, especially since it involved using crafts to attack wildlife. The moment is brief with a quick lesson for the young troublemaker, but it's mostly interesting to see what can genuinely get Izzy to stop being playful and become serious.

Beware provoking Izzy.

You never know what punishment that creative mind could imagine!

We're teased yet again as three camera traps are triggers simultaneously. So far, my guesses for this series have been off but the retail incentive cover makes me wonder if we might see more than one variation of Bighoof in the next issue.

They seem almost elemental.

The question is, where do we stand on this issue with the apparent lack of mounting tension. The art remains an interesting expression, but I caution that this might be a better reading if you wait to acquire the remaining issues and enjoy them in one sitting. There isn't enough happening in a singular issue to keep us hooked month-to-month. I imagine that the trade paperback will be a more coveted item.

I know the perspective is meant to show Zipp's eagerness to investigate,

but I'm too immature to avoid making a booty commentary.

Twilight knows we've got plenty of other comics coming out in the meantime. With "The Wizard of Odd" coming out and another entry in the "Sister Swap" storyline not far on the horizon, it seems IDW is still committed to getting a lot of stories out there!

Big Sister is watching!

I'm Silver Quill. Thanks for reading!

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