Alterna Comics 2018
Written & Coloured by Dave Swartz
Illustrated by Joseph Cooper
Lettered by Wes Locher
In a dimension parallel to our own, world-renowned inventors Nicholas Teska and Dr. Albalien Stein have discovered a mysterious signal from deep within the cosmos. Believing it to be from an advanced alien race, the two embark on a journey that will change the very fabric of space and time!
I am always a fan of alternate history stories, they are creative, inventive and just all around fun. The chance to take these characters, based on their real life counterparts, and let them unleash their potential in ways that boggles the mind. It is the best way to engage the mind, imagination and creativity while also answering those pesky What If?’s that we all wonder about. So that Dave dove feet first into the deep end without looking back is utterly sensational to see. This is the kind of book that is totally all-ages friendly though some younger members of the audience might need a grown up to explain a thing or two it’s well worth it.
I think the way that this is structured is extremely well done. The opening page is dramatic, interesting and grabs the readers attention and it made me want to see and know more. Then turning to see that two-page spread I was hooked! The way that Dave and Joseph work together and bring us that mad scientist feeling for the age in which it’s set is utterly brilliant to me. This is the kind of stuff that makes an opening to a story as well as a series seem textbook in nature, see perfect example. Also that the names are the same yet different allows that alternate reality or parallel dimension aspect to say yes it’s them but it’s not so I have more artistic licence.
The introduction of characters here is extremely well done. That Teska wants nothing more than to be known throughout history for his inventions gladly works for Edison to start the series. Now as the story moves forward and we see the characterisation begin to take shape, grow bolder and evolve then the relationships between the characters becomes sensational. There are no real good guys or bad guys here it’s not that kind of story for which I am thankful. No it’s about the science, the inventions and the respect wanted in recognition for what they’ve done.
Kaze no Yō ni Hayaku "inuk chuk" and any other phrase you can come up with in exclamation because the interior artwork here is out of this world. The way that we see the varying weights of the linework being manipulated to create this world, these characters and the attention to detail throughout is stunning! There is a confidence in what we see here that is inspiring and instils an immediate liking for the work Joseph is doing here. Plus the faces and how familiar they are is amazing and as a reader I got caught up in this beautifully. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a superb eye for storytelling. That we see backgrounds being utilised to such a degree really expands the moments and brings us a great sense of size and scope to the book. The colours too are completely perfect. The way that light sources are used and the highlights and gradation of colour is very effectively done.
This is only a three issue run and yet the pacing is great even though it feels almost like things move at a frantic pace. So the glossing over of Teska contacting and getting Stein into the picture is unnecessary so in the end what we see is a story that introduces the characters, what they are after and how they are going to go about getting it. With such strong writing, characterisation and plot & story development alongside some beautiful interior artwork I am reminded once again that these are the books that you need to be aware of, have your store ordering them and revelling in the pure unadulterated fun that comics can bring!