Comic Review: Decorum #1

Decorum #1

Image Comics

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Art: Mike Huddleston

 

I don’t know what’s going on in this first issue, but that doesn’t keep me from loving it. Decorum is a unique mix of exposition via biotech adds and graphic narratives similar to your normal comic book. However, there’s just a lot going on in this issue that sets it apart from other comics on the market.

The story is disjointed. It flits about, first with exposition–an info dump that explains the basic premise then shifts to a narrative in which indigenous peoples are being conquered by strange aliens. Motives are unclear, as is the world that these factions operate in. The majority of the story focuses on a courier. A woman tasked with taking packages to and from places. It’s a strange construct in a piece that is as much science fiction as it is fantastical since there would be drones to make those necessary deliveries. But overlook this plothole and the issue has everything you could want. Suspense, intriguing characters, and an immersive world.

Read my full review on Sequential Planet.

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Comic Review: Bitter Root #6

Bitter Root #6

Image Comics

Writers: David F. Walker & Chuck Brown

Artist: Sanford Greene

It’s been some time since readers had the pleasure of catching up with the Sangeryes family. The first, and wildly popular, arc ended with on a knife-edge with little light on the horizon for this demon/racist hunting family. With the start of the second arc, the monstrous animals bred from racism threaten, not just Harlem, but the entire world.

As a rule, nobody can fight hatred on their own. Everyone needs help, and that’s what the Sangeryes look for in other families who have a long history of demon/racist hunting. However, the news they bring, the cause for alarm, isn’t necessarily welcomed by other factions. In fact, some go so far as to blame the Sangeryes for the problem in the first place; it’s a severe case of victim-blaming. As is only fitting and truthful in terms of historical context, the accuser of the Sangeryes is a white man–it’s like white people blaming black people for racism.

Read my full review on Sequentialplanet.com

Comic Review: Wasted Space #11

Wasted Space #11

Vault Comics

Writer: Michael Moreci

Artist: Hayden Sherman

Finally, it is good to be back in one of my favorite comics. Wasted Space returns with a brand new arc, a new direction, and some fresh ideas that make this new installment a joy to read. It even offers some awesome, mind-bending paneling that really takes advantage of the comic medium.

We last left Billy Bane and his crew as they set off to destroy “The Creator.” Another way to put this is God. They’re looking to kill God. I do apologize if that offends anyone; it’s just what the story is about. Now, the plot jumps around a little bit in this issue, skipping here and there and months at a time, but much of it is character-driven.  We get to see the social consequences of the actions taken in #10. The result is a different kind of reading experience than any of the previous issues. This is all going on while Billy and his crew try to fly through “The Slip.” It’s all mysterious but makes for good reading and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Read my full review at Sequentialplanet.com