Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Amy Chu
Illustrated by Kewber Baal
Coloured by Schimerys Baal
Lettered by Troy Peteri
Twin troublemakers Eran and Noa are back home. They now know Blackwell’s secrets, but will anyone believe them? Fortunately, they have some tricks up their sleeves, and with some help from KISS, they are about to turn their world upside down.
Amy has been doing something extremely interesting with this story. I like that Kiss is the inspiration and not playing a direct role here and that the story focuses on these four kids. This issue starts off with a look at the kids and a bit of their background like the fact that their parents aren’t biologically theirs. It just reinforces that Eran and Noa are supposed to be playing a huge part in this world.
I have to say I really do like how this story has been structured. With each new revelation and discovery it seems like the kids are running bland. That they’ve taken steps to ensure that things for their way, for now, is refreshing to see as it’s a little unexpected. The characterisation here really is strong and that we’re seeing different sides to the kids as the story unfolds keeps the interest level in them very high.
I will say that this creative team has made me want to at least visit this city and explore the parts that are off limits. There seems to be this slew of unused areas that are left off the map ripe for exploration. There’s this excitement that comes with each new section they bring us to that is undeniable. Finding a studio complete with face paint well that was just kind of kitsch but perfectly played.
Kewber and Schimerys do a wonderful job on the interiors. The use of page layouts utilising angles, perspective and backgrounds are well thought out and executed. The homage with the face paint go along with the Protectors suits well that just is fun as all get out. I really appreciate the attention to detail they bring to the pages.
I think the way Amy has the kids trying to do the right thing and educate the people about the truth and while causing a stir they still utterly seem to fail. This is natural as it’s their first outing and they are acting on instinct rather than training so that feels like it’s the way it’s supposed to go. They’ll need time and effort in getting used to and learning about that bombshell that ended this issue if they are going to enact any kind of change in the system. A system that has kept this city in the dark for way too long.
While i’m still waiting to see if the city was founded as a way to escape what was happening on the surface instead of a true apocalyptic event that will come with time. Again this is where the structuring of the story comes into play. I like the idea of Kiss being used as the backdrop for standing up for yourself and of self discovery and freedom. These kids represent the future and they are going to shatter the lives of the folks in this city, we can only hope they’ve got what it takes to put it back together again once they do that.