Dynamite Entertainment 2017
Written by Christopher Sebela
Illustrated by Ariel Medel
Coloured by Omi Remalante
Lettered by Thomas Napolitano
As they travel across the globe on another mission, Subject 47 and his brother 6 begin to assemble their plan of attack against the Institute that made them who they are. A war on both their surrogate family of fellow subjects and a potential future spent as living weapons under someone else’s control. While Diana Burnwood’s new life in London has begun to blossom and her secret vendetta finds a new sponsor in the form of a crime boss all too eager to teach her new protege a few tricks how to get her hands dirty.
So I actually watched the film since reading the first issue and realised I had seen it or at least part of it before and that it didn’t really stick with me well what does that say…. Still now that I’m reading this I know you don’t need to have seen the film to enjoy this. What I do like about this is that we’re seeing two story arcs running simultaneously and both have those interesting elements to them that make me as a reader want to know more.
So #6 is telling #47 not to take his pills and to open his mind to the possibility of freedom from the Institute. Meanwhile Diana is beginning her tutelage in ways she never imagined. In both cases characters seem to be going through a rebirth if you will one that will forever change their lives and open up new destinies for them. It is quite the thing to see unfold and Christopher makes it look so gosh darn easy. The fact that he’s doing it with two characters simultaneously without them meeting, until further down the road presumably, with different circumstances behind both well it’s pretty damn solid writing.
Christopher won me over ages ago with his writing style, the way he’s able to structure a book and control the ebb & flow so masterfully. The way he’s able to dispense information through characterisation and plot points is really incredibly well done and is part of what makes the story exciting. That the established character at this stage in his development is pretty much an open book doesn’t hurt matters either as Christopher gets that rare opportunity to create him and mould him into the man he becomes in any way that he thinks is going to fit within the mythology of the film.
Ariel and Omi’s work on the interiors here is utterly great. This is what I love about Dynamite books they get really talented folks to do the artwork for them. The attention to detail here is wonderful to see and that it extends to the backgrounds as well makes me thrilled as it helps set the scene more fully than leaving all that empty space. The way page layouts are used with their angles and perspective showcase a very strong eye for storytelling. The emotion in facial expressions and body language is easy to see and relate to. Overall what they bring to this is solid and expands the story beyond it’s words.
I am looking forward to seeing how the two arcs are going to meet up. I mean there are some nice and interesting parallels too as the young woman who lost her family and seeks revenge while a man wants to shed his bloody present and become a normal boy. The Pinocchio reference is intended in the best way possible too. There is a wonder in getting to see a transition in character, to either realise your dreams or come to understand that what you wanted isn’t what you really desired.
Another option in the franchise to expand it and make it more accessible then its ever been before.