Aftershock Comics 2016
Created & Written by Justin Jordan
Illustrated by Juan Gedeon
Coloured by Tamra Bonvillain
Lettered by Rachel Deering
There’s something inherently interesting about this book for me. Perhaps it’s the close feel I get to the D&D style worlds, Eberron comes to mind, where we have this city scape run by a horrific ruler while in the outlands our travelers have that one encounter after another feel. Strange and wondrous creatures abound that need fighting and a mission has been undertaken while unbeknownst to them they have been targeted for another reason. It has this perfect kind of adventure feel that hits the realm of fantasy and intrigue that makes it a great escape from the ordinary.
The opening of this issue gives us just enough of that whole these are the bad guys but don’t really reveal near enough so we’re left with a desire for more. As much as we are currently in a world where instant gratification is the norm, unfortunately, this is kind of writing that thrills me. We get just enough to know we want more and that ensures returning to see what’s revealed next. Little here, little there it’s a great solid technique to storytelling that should be used more often, or once again.
I have to say Strayer and Mala do make one of those great odd couple pairings. She’s young, headstrong and willful without having learned temperament while he’s laid back, easy going and has enough experience and wit to him that makes him her complete opposite. So the dialogue, situations and everything we see with them is not only a cause for celebration but something to be sheerly enjoyed.
The introduction of another character who will be a major influence in upcoming events is fantastic. I can see several scenarios in my head already where things could lead and that as you know means I’ll be back to see if any of them indeed happen. I love that about this as well as what we see during his introduction. This world gets more interesting with each page and panel throughout the two issues thus far. At this rate I’m going to be exhausted by the time issue six rolls around.
Then there’s Delis who is also introduced this issue and again she could be more than what she appears in terms of our intrepid duo. It feels like she could possibly be the newest addition to their current adventure or just a stop along the way. Within the worlds of role playing games groups are formed in different ways so i’m hoping to see that happen here and it happen this organically. Yes it feels natural for this encounter to have happened even if it is convenient for all involved.
I am not a big fan of the interior artwork here. There’s a lack of definition, depth and clarity to the work that makes things get kind of lost in the shuffle. There’s a real flat monochromatic feel to this issue that loses me. If this were Knights of the Dinner Table i’d be more inclined to think it fits. This world and these characters need the definition and wow factor to go along with the writing and for me this is a mismatch. Will it stop me from reading no but it does lessen the enjoyment of it.