Aspen Comics 2015
Written by Vince Hernandez
Penciled by Claudio Avella
Inked by Mark Roslan
Coloured by Justice
Lettered by Josh Reed
The team began to splinter under the weight of the secrets kept by Elia Fawn. However, the rest of the group managed to break free and plan an eventual strategy for their freedom. Yet, plans changed quickly, as an attack by the Blue in Seattle left the team devastated at the hands of a more powerful foe. And this only served as a decoy, as their home base the Rig was at that moment attacked by Siphon and his Elite Council Soldiers…
Opening up under the sea in that enormous cavern seeing the Elite Council soldiers waiting their orders was one heck of a way to open this issue! Not to mention Killian cause he’s one of those characters I always get excited to see. I knew this was going to happen but I really wasn’t expecting to see come so soon. Don’t get me wrong this is going to change the way this team is going to operate and the General’s agenda but hey that’s find with me.
Meanwhile back at headquarters it’s interesting to see how the General treats Elia compared to the rest of them. If he perhaps treated them the way he treats her there would be more cohesion in the group and less talk of running off or escaping or openly plotting his downfall. Though to be frank i’d like to see them really go after him soon because he’s really a horrible person.
Even with the team not fully trusting Elia it seems that when they go into battle they are starting to work together rather well. Yes there are moments that show they have a ways to go before they stop thinking as individuals but the progress is there. Vince is doing a smashing job in making this seem like their progression is organic, evolving into something more than they are and that’s impressive and fantastic to see.
When the team meets the Elite Council soldiers I was rather impressed. Yes Elia thinks she’s stronger than she is but if they could act as a cohesive unit even with their seemingly limited power sets they’d actually be able to fare quite well. It’s this demonstration of what’s possible that Vince is bringing us that has a greater impact on me as a reader. Aman while physically the youngest really is the brains here and I look forward to the day when he’s listened to more and his guidance in battle is the key to winning. Again another example of how Vince is crafting this book and these characters.
Sure they need to really explore their powers and how to effectively use them best but that comes with time and hopefully that’s something we’ll all have. Time, this series takes the Blue and the Fathom universe places for new fans and old that make it extremely accessible and fun to read.
I saw a marked improvement in the interior artwork this issue. Body proportions were better and the attention to detail is really good. Plus the colours including seeing the Elite Soldier in her water form really stand out and make this visually impressive.
Aspen finally has a new book that allows new fans to explore their world and the different characters without feeling overwhelmed. It also happens to be extremely well written, illustrated and yes even exciting.