Chapterhouse Comics 2017
Written by Van Jensen
Illustrated by Neil Collyer (flahsbacks) & Leila Del Duca (present day)
Coloured by Caroline Nolasco
Lettered by Andrew Thomas
The great alien Pharos came to Earth and left death and destruction in his wake. Now Pharos has been apprehended by the military organization H.A.L.O., and awaits execution for his crimes. But there are those who wish to learn more about the warning he delivered: The Borealis, a deadly alien species, is heading to Earth. Equilibrium scientist Parminder Patel seeks to learn more about Pharos’ past before he is executed. She soon discovers that she’s not alone. One of the H.A.L.O. guards reveals himself to be a Canadian agent – and an extraterrestrial being – known as Viin!
I am kind of really impressed with Van’s writing, the direction he takes this and how he’s able to really bring us the kind of characterisation that makes us love or hate characters. I’m still confused as to when this book fits into the timeline because as I look around they are still fighting him and here we are with Parminder interviewing him. That aside this is kick-ass book. The way it’s structured so that we get all this background information on Pharos while still keeping things rooted in the present as well as seeing how Saskia has been trying to manipulate events since this whole thing started. There is something for everyone here and a warning that we’ll get into later.
Hindsight is always 20/20 it’s something we learn at a very early age whether or not it sinks in is another story. Pharos’ tale of his past of gaining this power and bonding with the Seed is being told from a frank and honest place. Let’s face it how many among us would take that newfound power and kind of clean house, the White House, Senate and Congress, in the United States because I am not ashamed to say I would. Unapologetically and while I might be thinking with my emotions that’s what Pharos did and in the process ruined his life, his people and his planet.
The interiors here are gorgeous! I love the style that Neil has as he brings Pharos’ past to life. The linework is utterly fantastic and the attention to detail that leads into his imagination and creativity that we see is stellar stuff and that the backgrounds get the same kind of attention well that’s a joyful thing for me to see. Also I adore the fact that hominid isn’t really a thing here but it’s close enough for the audience. Leila’s work is not bad I am disappointed by the barren feel of the panels but then again they are in a cell so there’s that. It does have a very traditional earth feel to it. The use page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the pages is extremely well done showing off two eyes for storytelling.
Civilisation regardless of whose it is is going to go through the same stages in it’s history. There will be those in power and those forced to live in their shadow. There will be wars for power and revolts by those who don’t feel represented. However what everyone seems to be missing is the one who waited and watched for the seed to bond with someone well that and the fact he might be leading the very cause of his planets destruction to earth but no one is listening to that.
Saskia is so xenophobic it’s ridiculous all she wants to do is kill Pharos and tries to create that scenario to do just that. Ah the hubris is mankind to think they are the smartest, strongest and mightiest of them all. Meanwhile we can’t even unite a planet let alone a nation but sure feel free to kill an alien who came here and in a misunderstanding and unable to communicate at the time.
The characterisation, plot, story development and interior artwork here make this one of Chapterhouse’s stronger books right now actually one of the strongest book on sale period.