Scout Comics 2017
Written by James Pruett
Illustrated by Federico De Luca
At the tender age of seven, Alexander Oberman witnessed the gruesome deaths of his parents in a horrendous explosion as a result of his own mind tapping into a previously unknown powerful force. How Alex survived has been a mystery. Physically he was fine, minus a few burns, but mentally he withdrew into himself, into his mind. For 16 years, Alex hadn't uttered a solitary word or had a voluntary movement of his own, until now. Those that would use his destructive abilities have been awaiting Alex's awakening. Now, that wait has ended, and the world will soon learn the true potential of mankind. But will Alex be a vanguard for the world or will he be responsible for its annihilation?
Alright I’m totally in! I’ve been saying a lot of good things about Scout and the books they’ve been putting out and there’s a reason for that. This time around it’s James Pruett’s turn to shine as a writer and not just a publisher. It doesn’t hurt that Joe is over at Aftershock pretty much doing the exact same thing either, who doesn’t love a good twin sibling rivalry after all, it can be used to spark that passion again right?
This issue opens up innocently enough with a family out to enjoy the carnival. Young Alex wants to play this game, that game, have ice cream, cotton candy and pretty much everything he sets eyes on is at that moment is what he wants to do. It really is a nice family outing and the writing is perfect for that. The dialogue between husband and wife yeah that’s so nicely done and makes you think aww yeah that’s how “we” are.
Then the incident happens and after that we’re in the present. While I will wholeheartedly admit that the female psychologist (whatever kind of Doctor she is for mental patients) coming to work in the creepy building with the creepy patients is extremely cliché and over done it still holds the attention. No offense to anyone but when is the male doctor getting an internship or job and ignite all this? Still cause for catalyst aside Ms. Amos manages to break through Alex’s defences and is now a part of his world.
Can we talk about Federico for a few moments. WOW! I love the work he’s doing here it’s so beautiful. His linework and the way he’s making faces so precise and distinctive catches the eye and sucks you in. His use of page layouts through their angles and perspective are sublime and I have to say the colours here are done superbly with their gradation in the high and low lights. The creativity and imagination on display is startling in comparison the real world he creates here. You all know I love the use of backgrounds but that’s limited here as the amount of time spent in an institution doesn’t leave much room for them so when they are utilised I’m pleased as punch.
There are a few things that happen, kind of in succession so that we know something big is coming. What that is well that’s the hook and the mystery that will keep us coming back to watch it unfold. In the meantime we get a sneak peek into Alex’s mind alongside Ms. Amos and well it’s the most wondrous and creepy thing we see this issue. It also kind of sets up the fact that we don’t know what he is, what his intentions are or if he’s good, bad or indifferent to what’s happening on the planet. Though we do know he’s not alone but are the others enemies or allies?
The way this book is structured with the ebb & flow of the information that we get is perfectly done. The writing is strong, interesting and has some compelling characterisation that alongside some extremely strong interior artwork and this is a series you need to experience.