Tidalwave Comics 2016
Written by Andrew Shayde
Illustrated by by Levy Zimer
Coloured by by Silvio Spotti
Lettered by Flavio B. Silva
By luck or by misfortune these monsters have ended up together. Having been hunted and rounded up by Solomon Kane and his distorted and violent version of faith, they’re first instinct is to run. Now seeking vengeance and the chance to save others like them they are returning to Kane’s prison to free the monsters that were left behind in their cells whose fate is clearly death.
When I reviewed issue one I said that Andrew had the potential to become a good solid writer and it with each new issue he’s proving that statement correct. The progression, pacing and dialogue are becoming tighter and smoother. The characterization of these characters is strong and I like what i’m seeing here. This is definitely the beginning a new franchise series as I can see these so-called monsters staying together as a team and doing some good work together. Provided they survive whatever it is Andrew has in store for them.
This group of reluctant and eclectic heroes has sure gotten my attention. I like the way they’ve been bonding together as they make their way back to the Castle to free the other monsters Kane has collected. Even the fiery temper of Zaya whose own evolution seems to be taking something of a radical turn after last issue’s shocking events. The two-page spread of them all on the raft with the narration of what each is thinking really goes that extra mile with their mindsets and what we can kind of expect from them.
In a certain regard the team reminds me of the Dragonlance characters and the Chupacabra is much like Tasslehoff in that he marches to beat of his own drummer. Loyal to a fault and willing to do anything for his friends he’s an odd creature who just happens to steal every scene he’s in. I love this aspect about him because with all the seriousness that the others are feeling he’s that moment of levity and fun that balances it all out.
The pacing for this issue is great and while it seems to move pretty fast all of the characters are placing themselves on the board in right spots for the final big confrontation. Through the events we see in this issue some have even newer reasons for becoming the monster that Kane thinks they are all the while he’s the one making them that way. It’s a vicious circle and it seems Kane himself in righteous quest has become the biggest monster of them all.
The interiors here have been really very good. I like the almost animation style that Levy brings to the book. His use of angles, perspective and most importantly backgrounds in the panels as the flow through the books pages really help you feel the characters emotions and enjoy the action. There’s some really strong attention to detail as well and the colouring is spot on all around. They bring this life really well and do justice to Andrew’s vision.
This keeps getting stronger and stronger and it’s great to see. With a great premise and interesting characters this could be one of those series that we see regular arcs of in mini-series form. Both Andrew and the characters evolution is something worth keeping an eye on as I think you’ll agree we can expect great things from them in the future. Now bring on the finale!