Indigo Comics 2015
Created & Written by Scott Reichert
Illustrated by Bonkz Seriosa
Coloured & Designed by Robert Reichert
It’s been 10 years since Zachariah Thorn inadvertently tore the veil between our world and the darkness beyond. Now his dark gift is his only weapon in his quest to banish the evil he has wrought. After being contacted by a despondent Stanislav, Zach finds himself venturing into the woods of Bulgaria in search of the Clandestine Rusalka….
Here is the deal with these self-published books, they tend to come out at a very uneven pace because it really is a labour of love and the money has to be raised to create the next issue. Nowadays we have kickstarter and such but most of the time it’s hard for folks to get those funded. So this is why I love when we support books like this so they can create something wonderful and let the passion they have for what they are doing shine through. I was, am and continue to be incredibly impressed with the quality of storytelling that appears in these pages. While the subject matter isn’t new the way it’s approached is and I like that and I want to see more. So it’s a good thing issue #2 is out as well.
I like how the series opens that kind of previously blurb to give a hint of background information followed by our first look at Zach. It has an impact and allows the reader to see what kind of things haunt this young man and gauge through his reactions what kind of man he’s becoming. I say becoming because each of us is in an eternal mode of transition we are constantly growing, learning and evolving and to see that potential in the character so quickly is very well done. It draws the reader in and creates that want in them to know and see more.
Let’s have a chat about the interiors here shall we? I am blown away by the level of work done by Bonkz and Robert. The attention to detail is utterly amazing and the manipulation of the linework through it’s varying weights just brings this to life beyond anything I could have hoped for or expected. Then there is the face that the background in places is blurred showing a keen sense of how focus is used really made me smile. One thing I will say is that while the people look incredible I would like to see more backgrounds utilised because when they are used they really have an impact on the story. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling as well. Overall the consistency of what we see is amazing.
The way that this is structured is extremely well done as we get to see the introduction of his friends and his life. The way that things meander about and end where they need to be is a lot more entertaining than the usual cut to tactic that’s all too prevalent in comics today. Part of me feels a bit of old school vibe with this but it’s totally modern and just kind of feels comfortable yet new and exciting so yeah. When Zach is with his friends it isn’t because it’s old home week, unfortunately, but because someone needs help, specifically his kind of help. So take that for what you will be remember the characterisation here constantly evolves.
I like seeing what we did this issue. There wasn’t this big origin story or flashbacks to what happened, instead we are introduced to him, his life and those who share with him already in progress and I think that’s the right way to go. Back story can be done later if it’s desired but I am more than happy with what is given here. Smart, intelligent and honest between friends look at life that well you might want to think twice about having.
https://www.comixology.com/Zachariah-Thorn-1/digital-comic/298781?ref=Y29taWMvdmlldy9kZXNrdG9wL3NsaWRlckxpc3Qvc2VyaWVz
http://www.indigo-comics.com/