Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Amy Chu
Illustrated by Kewber Baal
Coloured by Schimerys Baal
Lettered by Troy Peteri
468 years after the Great War, the last remnants of humanity live comfortably underground in the metropolis of Blackwell. But four teens start questioning everything around
them, and search for the truth about their past. And what they are about to discover are secrets
that will rock their world…
I think that the openings with their video representation to school children about how life and society works are wonderful ideas that are brilliantly executed. Even better is the fact that this whole thing feels like it could be happening for real when February rolls around. Propaganda films are such effective tool to keep an unsuspecting society at bay and I gotta admit it’s kind of brilliant to see it used like this.
The kids have split up and are running for their lives after waking up Morpheus and getting attacked by the Protectors, who coincidentally are destroying the area Morpheus is in. The kids are on the verge of discovering the truth but what it will cost them? With potential relationships on the horizon and world shattering discoveries at hand Amy is really doing this great job with multiple angles of story development.
Kewber does some equally amazing work on the interiors too. The attention to detail is exceptionally well done and the use of angles, perspective and backgrounds in the page layouts really capture the imagination. I’m still struck by the twins and their Archie Orange hair colour it really helps set them apart and make you believe there is something special about them and their potential destiny.
I know this is a Kiss series and we’ve yet to really see the connection to them and what’s going on. However there have been clues and indications and I look forward to seeing what kind of legacy they’ve left for this future. Of course I also have this sneaky suspicion that this underground city is more and less than we’ve been led to believe. Something is definitely not right about the way this city is run and how it’s citizens are herded like sheep. There’s that mystery, one the kids are on the verge of discovering, as well as Kiss’s connection to it all that really draws readers to keep coming back.
There’s so much wonder and imagination on display here. This is far from your typical Kiss vehicle and that alone makes it more awesome. We may only be three issues in but as a reader i’m dying to know how the band is connected to this and to the kids and Morpheus. Any does this wonderful job crafting this story and leading us in the right direction while only supplying nuggets of information.
Mysterious, adventurous and compelling this story will capture the mind and imagination and capture you in it’s web.