Aftershock Comics 2016
Created & Written by Frank Barbiere
Created & Illustrated by Garry Brown
Coloured by Lauren Affe
Lettered by Dave Sharpe
Reeling from the revelation that he’s a time traveling assassin, Martin comes up against his most complex mission yet. Secrets from his past are brought to light as he struggles to complete his task—will he survive long enough to save reality?
Okay now I like the way that Frank has structured this series so far. We are still learning things as they go along with Marty. His relationship with his father is further explained as we get to see more of Marty’s past and it’s good bit of characterization and we begin to understand Marty that much better. I think it’s really done a great job in getting me to like Marty more as a person and understand where he’s coming from and how he gained is his “unique” skill set.
All the story that happens between father and son is only the tip of the iceberg here. Yes it sets the tone and stage for the entire series but there’s more to this than their tenuous relationship. With each issue we see more and more what Marty is capable of doing and this issue Frank throws in a few surprises. I like that already we’re seeing Marty who doesn’t want to question why he only receives names of people to kill, letting it get personal means it gets messy after all. However trust can only take him so far and sooner or later he’s going to come up against something that makes him appear less an obedient lapdog and more of a human being.
Frank is also doing something here that’s really appreciated and that’s Marty’s narration. As he sits in a diner waiting for a way to find his newest target we get his thoughts on how he goes about things, the length of time he’s in any one time period and how he keeps his low profile. He doesn’t have to spend a lot time on it but it’s extremely effective and fills in the gaps without having to do unnecessary interaction with another person to take up space.
Garry’s interiors are great for this series as well. His style here is uniquely his and what he brings to this in terms of expression and detail is wonderfully done. Along with the amazing colour work from Lauren this series really pops. I am very much enjoying the flow of each issue through it’s pages and panels with Garry’s use of perspective and angles. There’s some wonderfully original work happening here and makes for an exciting read.
Time traveling assassin on a mission from his estranged father who is using him for his own end means is a great premise. It’s also great to see how Frank is having all this play out as we keep learning more and more about all the characters involved.
Aftershock is the new home for creator owned properties that are sure to thrill and entertain readers. Look out world there’s no stopping them now!