The Ballad of Harper Kelly 1 – Demotion by SturkWurk and Roseleaf (#comics #feminization)

I am delighted to introduce a new name to our weekly showcase of illustrated delights, SturkWurk, who is best known for his work at TGComics.

The Ballad of Harper Kelly 1 – Demotion is a premium comic (at 330 pages) by SturkWurk and Roseleaf, the first of a four issue series. The story opens on an ominous note, as Kelly's cautionary emails get him a promotion to Director of Ethical Standards (from a CEO who seems to have sinister intentions), which threatens to ruin his fiance's police investigation, sending her packing for the night.

The backgrounds are gorgeous, with artwork mixed with family photos, reflections in the windows, desk clutter, and more. The clothing is perfectly rendered, giving each character a personality, and the mannerisms and facial expressions are as realistic as the skin tones and hair colors. The use of blurred backgrounds to force characters into the forefront is wonderful as well, giving the comic an almost cinematic feel.

Initially, the transformation is as gradual as it is subtle, starting with unexplained weight loss, impotence, and hair loss, but things quickly escalate with the big reveal as to what happened and why - emotionally and psychologically as well as physically. While I was concerned with how easily Kelly's fiancee seemed to deal with the change, developments later in the story regarding her case shed some new light on just how far the company's nanobot infiltration reaches. There is not a lot of sex to this first issue, aside from suggestion and innuendo, but the geek way in which Kelly explores her new body for the first time is fantastic!

The Ballad of Harper Kelly 1 – Demotion is just a gorgeous comic, telling a story that is sexy, mysterious, and just slightly futuristic. Well worth the read!

Douglas Sturk (SturkWurk) is a writer and illustrator. He creates web comics for http://TGComics.com and http://MindControlComics.com, and can be hired for commission work.

@sturkwurk
https://www.deviantart.com/sturkwurk

Reviewed by Sally