Zenescope Entertainment 2017
Written by Dawn P. Marquez
Illustrated by Allan Otero
Coloured by Erick Arciniega
Lettered by Kurt Hathaway
Now on the run from a mysterious group who is sacrificing young girls, Mary, with her powers failing must fight for her life and figure out her connection to the group before it’s too late!
Oh I am so enjoying this story so far. It’s been hinted at that Mary is more powerful than anyone has realised as of yet and to have that brought up here is great! She’s young and somewhat inexperienced so she has a lot to learn still but that we get to see her potential through the eyes of others as well as through Dawn is what makes this so special. Also the introduction of new characters who could be both ally or foe keeps us on our toes trying to figure the angles alongside Mary.
The structure of the storytelling here is fantastic and that it has this great flow to what we see and how things are revealed makes for some highly tension filled moments. Also the characterisation that Dawn brings to this to go with that is pretty amazing to me. This is a young woman who is still very new to her powers and this world and has a lot to cope with and being thrust into something like this well it really shows off her strengths and flaws and that’s what makes her accessible to readers.
I am very impressed with the visuals here too. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and the use of backgrounds are extremely well utilised. Mary both in and out of her powered phase is great to see and that contrast is important to understanding her better. Her rescuer this issue and his ability along with the “bad guys” throughout they all really have this great imagination and creativity about them that is delightful to see.
There’s a development here that we don’t normally see in comics much these days. That Mary is such a different kind of character and still trying to learn about herself and her place in this universe and that we are a part of that learning journey is crucial. It’s temporary hook that is effective and it makes Mary more relatable to and bondable with. Getting to feel this close to her development creates a unique feeling within the reader that creates a following.
This is only the second issue of a six issue run and that we’re already deep in the heart of the conflict is exciting. It means there’s a lot left to see, learn and experience still. The tiny cliffhanger style ending of this issue was done very nicely. Amidst all the excitement and action Dawn kind of abruptly ends the issue and it’s like woah and makes me as a reader eager for the next installment.
Zenescope has some serious contenders for your attention and this is high among them!