DC's Young Animal 2019
Written by Mikey Way & Shaun Simon
Illustrated by Ilias Kyriazis
Coloured by Cris Peter
Lettered by Simon Bowland
Following the occupation of his chest by a sentient black hole, Liam James’ anxiety disorder is further exacerbated when he accidentally destroys Stonehenge, among other irreplaceable wonders of the world.
Young Animal is pretty much the new Vertigo right, since Vertigo couldn't sustain itself. Everything I have read from this imprint has been exceptionally well done and interesting in ways that sometimes defy logic. Now I have no idea what the boys are thinking with this one nor any idea of what's really happening but I will tell you this much the concept is amazing and the execution of what I have seen thus far is exciting and interesting. Someone having a Black Hole in their chest that if harnessed the right way can be utilised as a heroic kind of power well that's a new one on me.
I am thrilled by the way that this story is being told. Yes the story & plot development is unconventional, Ooo I feel like Project Runway the unconventional materials challenge, but so is the premise so this shouldn't be told in a way that doesn't make the reader scratch their head. That along with the character development and how it all is kept abreast by the pacing means that we are not only entertained but we are taken down the road less travelled. We all know that sometimes the more cerebral the book the more challenging it can be and to be honest this is taking everything I have and then some and I so thoroughly engrossed and engaged in this book with ever page I turn.
As crazy as I feel this book is the characterisation that we are seeing is phenomenal and completely on point as far as I can tell. Liam is crazy and he's not but through everything his reactions and his coping mechanisms are perfectly rendered. I do thing that as the story moves forward so does the intensity of the situation that he finds himself in. It doesn't help when those around you think your white coat bat-shit crazy and I am sorry but if someone who loved me or at least claimed to love me pulled a stunt like that I would have been all Queen of Hearts, Off with her Head on her ass, just sayin.
Ilias and Cris do some really nice work on the interiors here. The linework shows a strong and steady hand and how we see the varying weights being utilised to create this amazing attention to detail. Also the two-page spread is a work of art and it's pretty damn genius to boot and it not only carries the story forward giving insight but it also just looks damn good. Sweet baby J I have to say that the creativity and imagination on display of marvellous beyond belief I mean every time he thinks he's seeing something that only he can we are treated to something spectacular.
The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this amazing eye for storytelling. Also how we see backgrounds being utilised really makes a difference and enhances the moment and brings a size and scope to the story. The colour work is great too and the way we see the black hole is something that well is incredibly well done. I rather like the way that we see the hues and tones and the utilisation of the light sources that create the shading and shadows.
There is something about this book that just creates it's own gravitational pull and keeps you in it's orbit. Original, unique (without like, equal or parallel) and incredibly fresh this book has to be experienced my words hopefully will entice you to try it but in the end its something that really should be a one on one experience.