Original release: 2024
(Kickstarter)
Created by: Stref
Genre: Adventure, Mystery,
Fantasy
Pages: 68
Publisher: ComicScene / Shift
Country: Scotland
Created by Stref, a Scottish creator.
The character first appeared
in a short story titled Hot Dog, released through
ComicScene.
Our story begins in Belgium in 1940 with a playful tone that carries through the opening. The humor is present from the start and establishes the world clearly. A valuable “horse” painting is introduced and quickly becomes a central focus, immediately setting up a sense of mystery.
We are then introduced to Tara in the present day in Scotland,
specifically Tattiebogle, Edinburgh. She is an aspiring professional
photographer, an ambition shaped by her late father, giving her a
clear personal motivation from the outset. On a personal level, this
connection resonated with me, reminding me of my own photography
endeavors and my late father. Visually, she is defined by her
distinctive appearance, particularly her twin ponytails, which evoke
Pippi Longstocking.
The narrative follows a classic setup of being in the wrong place at the right time, where curiosity pulls Tara into situations she was never meant to be part of. As the connection to the painting becomes more relevant, Tara is drawn into the unfolding story, forming the foundation for the adventure ahead.
The mystery is cleverly built around a missing “horse” painting and a legendary “unicorn” painting, which together drive the story forward and create a strong sense of intrigue.
This is a full adventure, with car chases, gunplay, hiding, horse riding and more, along with encounters with a small but memorable cast. Among them are the private detective Heggy and the medium Lexi, who add personality and variation to the journey. We also get a unique side character in Major the talking myna bird, who brings an extra layer of charm. I always enjoy classic mystery tropes like a mysterious figure, who is only partially revealed throughout the story. By keeping him in the background, the story maintains intrigue and leaves the reader questioning his true involvement.
Tara herself stands out as both funny and quick-thinking. She feels resourceful and active, pushing the story forward rather than simply reacting to it. The action is well structured and rewarding to follow, making it difficult to stop. There is a strong sense of momentum that keeps you wanting to read on and discover where it leads.
The dialogue leans into Scottish and British flavor, with words like “bloke,” “golly,” and phrases such as “just the ticket.” At one specific point it was slightly challenging to follow, but it’s all fun, and it adds authenticity and strengthens the sense of place.
Visually, the scenery is well drawn, with strong attention to buildings, vehicles, and the overall environment. It creates a grounded and believable world that supports the story. Some of the designs, especially the cars, feel distinctive enough that they could easily translate into collectibles.
By the end, the inspiration becomes clear not only in tone but also in storytelling style, often associated with the ligne claire tradition. At the same time, it never feels like a copy, but more like a companion piece that stands on its own.
Tara comes across as a younger, more modern lead. While she may be
in a similar age range as Tintin, she feels younger in spirit, giving
her a different kind of presence in the story.
Following the release of the book, two short stories were produced for Aces Weekly: Tara Togs in Halloween! and Tara Togs in Lost Gold of the Forth.
An enhanced version of Hot Dog is planned to be included
in the upcoming collection Tara Togs: Year One.
Look at the ongoing Kickstarter here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicscene/tara-togs-year-one
In addition,
a short parody strip titled Tara Togs and the Orange Dust Gang
has recently been released in the comic anthology Falcon,
offering a lighter, non-canon take on the character.
If you got this far, now go back and look at the cover again for The Silence of Unicorns, there is 2 unicorns hidden in that image, can you find them...
Links:
Buy Tara comic here:
https://share.google/TBUu2AETEihRUlSFG
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066742922160
Stref´s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stref70/
Original kickstarter for The Silence of Unicorns:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicscene/tara-togs-the-silence-of-unicorns
There is also a companion video with Stref, talking about about the progress.
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