Scout Comics 2019
Story by Stefano Cardoselli & Andrea Amenta
Written by Andrea Amenta
Illustrated by Stefano Cardoselli
Lettered by Bram Meehan
Translated by Daniele Bonfanti
The newest entry in the new NONSTOP! Imprint where Scout releases a World Premiere issue followed by the entire story a few months later in one volume! Jason is the last of his army on the surface of an enormous planet, with his massive permanent mecha-suit - a sentient death-machine called "Love" - as his only companion. The armies of several planets and corporations have clashed there, annihilating each other over the resources of the planet in a seemingly never-ending war. Jason's only desire is to make it home to his wife, Grace. After a long and dangerous journey, he will find a way back to Earth... and to an awful truth.
Only at places like Scout will you find these amazing Italian Creators and their own original work. The opening here is spectacular and it does precisely what it needs to do it grabs the readers' attention, piques the curiosity and draws you further into the work. This is some serious stuff too because as the pages turn the imagery grows and it is so effective when balanced by the narration alongside it.
I like the way that this story is being told as the structure of the book unfolds before us. The story & plot development and the character development that we see which are almost inseparable from one another are carried along by the pacing to create this sensational ebb & flow. That there is so much tenderness and feeling that comes across to the reader while we also get those glimpses at what has happened is really rather strongly told. The impact that what we see and learn has on the reader will surprise you by the power behind it.
There is something about this that combines that whole mechanical feel of science fiction and verging on a Steampunk influence that is enticing. I mean a sentient mecha-suit isn't something we see everyday and with it's moniker being as ironic as can it feels like it would be at home in an anime or manga series. So that we see it being utilised as it is feels more innovative and interesting to me at this stage. So it doesn't take long for the reader to become fully engaged and invested in this book and that's a testament to the skill and talent we see from these guys.
Stefano's work on the interiors is stunning. From the opening imagery to seeing where the roots of flower are coming from to the base that they headed for everything that we see has this unique look, tone and feel to it. There are moments where the linework is exquisite and then there are those times we see what looks like someone using a marker to create the thick black areas. The juxtaposition of what we see and how it's done is simply amazing. There is some absolutely stunning use of creativity and imagination here and you can't help but marvel at it. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this stupendous eye for storytelling. The backgrounds that are in play here enhance the moments and help bring this size and scope to the story. When they aren't utilised I am just as okay with that because of the impact of what we do see. The colours that we see are gorgeous and there is just something about the way we see the various ways they are applied is inspiring.
Fresh, new and completely innovative in its approach to storytelling will make this a must have for any fan of unique and powerful storytelling.