Image Comics 2018
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Stephanie Hans
Lettered by Clayton Cowles
Designed by Rian Hughes
In 1991, six teenagers disappeared into a fantasy role-playing game. Only five returned. In 2018, five adults are dragged back to discover the sixth still wants them to play….
Oh sweet sweet Mr. Humphries are you free? Because I need a new pair of trousers now. The first issue blew me away with it’s concept and how it was brought to us and gave us just enough background to really wet the appetite. And it was a double sized issue if I'm not mistaken we saw them as kids when they disappeared, came back and in the now when they were brought back together by the damnable game which whisked them back here to their waiting former friend. Which naturally is where we pick up this issue.
Part of me is speechless the other half has too much to say because I am gushing with praise and emotion after reading this. So bear with me as I try to break it down without presenting spoilers only my thoughts and opinions of what it is I have read. Right from the get go we are treated to how this story is going to proceed and the way Kieron has structured this is utterly sensational. I do like how we see Sol’s story a little bit more here and while we are given enough clues and based upon what we see there is a whole lot more to him that’s going on here than meets the eye.
The flow of this book is bloody marvellous and it very quickly mesmerises you and pulls you into the story in ways that are almost hypnotic. There really is that something special about the whole thing that screams out to your soul and regardless if you’ve ever played a role playing game with a group or not you can relate to having friends who you go through some of the most extreme stuff and then growing apart because seeing them would be a constant reminder of that time. Kieron not only has some spectacular writing skills and ability but he is able to connect with the reader in ways that few have or could and that alone would make him a master storyteller but he’s got so much more. The way that he’s able to layer this and the complexity behind the characters is simply stunning.
Can we talk about Stephanie for a few moments. The work she does here is pretty awe inspiring if I am honest. Her ability to see what she wants to have on the page and the skill and ability to bring that vision to life yeah she shows the world that digital artwork takes more skill than people realise. The fact we can see brush strokes and how the linework is utilised to create the attention to detail is sensational. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a wondrous eye for storytelling. I love the use of light sources and how that creates colour gradation or shadows that envelope the pages. The way that backgrounds are utilised so that they bring this fantastic size and scope to the book is impeccable stuff.
For me the quality of storytelling is what I like to talk about because when it’s this good you have to tell everyone you know, or don’t as this is the interwebs. This will be THE runaway breakout hit of 2019 and that’s not up for debate. The comics sites all like claim what they it will be but really it’s up to us common folk to read and decide and ya know what for me I stand behind what I said. The writing and interior artwork here are mindbogglingly good as we see with the story & plot development the pacing and this stellar characterisation. This is the real deal folks but don’t take my word for it find out for yourself and see if you’ll agree with me. Roll the Die you won't be sorry.