Comic Review: Harke and Burr
It's time for a quick bookshelf comics review; this time, it is a free comic that came with Judge Dredd Meg 350.
Harke & Burr
Where Monsters meet misfits!
The Cursed Earth is strange and dangerous, full of bizarre relics and even more bizarre collectors. Likeable rogues Harke & Burr cater to that trade from their antique store in the ancient township of Dunedin. But the trouble is always never far away.....
Dark deals and comical escapades from writer Si Spencer and artist Dean Ormston.
This mini-comic contains three stories from their short-lived time 1993-95:
Antique & Curious
A Hamster Horror Production
Grief Encounters
Review
The stars Harke and Burr have their names based on the infamous Burke and Hare, the Body-snatchers. Harke seems to be the brains of the operation (I use this term very lightly), and is a top hat wearing, skinny man. Who loves a deal or a con and can be found bossing around Burr in their antique shop based in Dunedin. Burr, on the other hand, is a portly man in a bowler hat. Burr has been described as looking like an ape and seems to have an incredible array of one-liners.
Their shop (never named from what I can tell) has a never-ending supply of "antiques" and Cursed Earth "collectibles" and is located in the Cursed Earth Township of Dunedin.
After a quick Google search of Dunedin, it can be one of two places:
A town in New Zealand settled by the Scotts, or the Ye Olde term for Edinburgh. The imagery that portrays Dunedin shows it to have a real Gothic feel, with gas lamps lighting street corners and dingy, dark, dangerous corners of gloom. Along with the Bodysnatchers link, I assume it's a township near Edinburgh - if anyone has further info, I would love to know it!
The Stories
The stories are quick and carefree, like many strips in the early half of the 90's. Each plot contains our likeable duo, somehow trying to make money, but like all comedy sitcoms, it always goes horribly wrong from them. Think of 'Only Fools and Horses' given a 2000ad twist.
In the first tale, Antique & Curious, a mysterious Mr. Karis arrives at the store searching for Egyptian things after securing a hefty finder’s fee for a Sarcophagus. Mr. Harke sends Burr to follow Karis in hopes of selling more. But when Burr disturbs a ritual, he unwillingly releases three stockbroker mummies into the world!
In A Hamster Horror Production. Harke is invited to the estate of Janus Erryati. A Veterinary Surgeon who is trying to sell all his antique mirrors. While this is happening, Burr is given the task of protecting Mrs. McLoopy's pet Hamster, as she fears for its life following the surge of hamster murders in the town. Could the two be connected? And why is the veterinarian located in a graveyard!?
Finally, Grief Encounters sees Harke release his inner artist! Will he be able to wow, impress the local ladies, and walk off the cash prize? Or will Burr somehow mess it all up?
Overview
This was a great little read; it was very light-hearted and comical. If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend you do it. It may not have the fast action pace of Judge Dredd, but it sure makes up for it in storytelling. Plus, the artwork is beautiful and creepy.
