Tidalwave Productions 2019
Written by Dan Rafter
Pencilled by Ernest Romero
Inked by Mathieu St-Amour
Coloured by Maika Manrique
The sequel to the popular "Gearz" comic book series comes Superficial. Lonely high-schooler Karen Miller just wanted a dog. Instead, she got three of the most powerful, deadliest and hippest robot bodyguards to hit the sleepy town of Westville. The good news? Karen's three robots –quickly become her best friends. The bad news? Someone very high up, Oval Office high up, wants those robots back. And he won't stop at anything. Can an ordinary, if slightly unpopular, teen survive killer robots, super-powered school custodians, snotty classmates, chemically boosted monsters and hooded assassins while staying on track to become class valedictorian? Karen Miller's about to find out.
I am a fan of these books from Tidalwave that are original works of fiction and not just the celebrity based bio pieces. Now I had no idea that this was a sequel but that’s okay because I came into this blind and found it incredibly easy to follow. The way that this is written allows for this to feel just as much an introduction as it does a sequel and that Dan is able to do this is rather impressive to me. There is a very nice structure to the way this is being told as well. The way that we learn about the story & plot development, the information and see the intertwined throughout creates a wonderful ebb & flow.
I think the opening here is extremely well done. From the mock fight to getting to see Karen’s father it has all these extremely well balanced seriousness and humour to the writing and dialogue. Plus I love the Charlie Brown inspired sweater vest! I think this a great way to have opened the issue as it gives the reader an opportunity a great opportunity to see the skills these folks have. While I do think it’s great it also contains my biggest pet peeve, when backgrounds are utilised and bam a blank background, if you have them in the panels before and after use it in them all! Still this is cute as can be and the dynamic that we get from the characters really works well for me. Then there is Mel and how Karen feels about him, which if I am to be honest has all kinds of possibilities here and all of them somewhat creepy and fascinating.
I vented about the lack of consistent backgrounds already so we can move on. I like that we see this as more of an all-ages style approach to the interiors. Except for the robot boobs but hey they are robots. Otherwise I do like the linework that I a seeing here there is an understated strength we see their utilisation and that means a strong hand. There is a nice sense of creativity and imagination here as well, there are moments that make think of older science fiction films, like the intercom on the arm from the ceiling. It has a nice fresh feel and take to things that I wasn’t expecting but absolutely adore. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a solid eye for storytelling. The colour work is great and I like the different tones in use here and how they demonstrate the use of light sources. There is even some nice colour gradation even thought it is more blocked than faded.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I read this and I am not sure what I am still expecting out of this as moves forward. I like this actually because it’s a solid story, it’s well told through the writing and dialogue and it’s got some actual charming interior artwork. Is there room for growth, sure but that’s true of everyone, backgrounds, and what I see here is a solid foundation for something I want to see more of.