Aftershock Comics 2019
Written by Ted Anderson
Illustrated by Nuno Plati
Coloured by Joao Lemos & Nuno Plati
Lettered by Marshall Dillon
The city of Albany. Old friends. Old times. Old wounds. Freedom of speech. The paradox of money. High walls and far sight. An attack from unexpected directions.
The first page opening here is sensational to see. While almost a traditional splash page it does so much to showcase their destination and to see Princess' face when she sees it for the first time is pretty much what the audience experiences as well. It also sets the stage for what it is that is soon going to happen. I will admit right here and right now that I do believe that this New Church has been following our trio as they've ridden to Albanay. Why else would they always seem to be a step or two behind? It feels like that this is what is happening though we can't be sure unless someone tells us so. Also after they were in that last town when Willa unwittingly forced their hand to move against them so yeah this feels like they are using them to find those places to raid and destroy by following them.
The way this is structured is phenomenal to see. There is a great ebb & flow to how we as the readeres' see the story & plot development unfold with this pacing that's super strong and the character development that keeps these folks growing, evolving and learning before our eyes. The introduction of new characters like Lindy just keep improving the dynamics and how we view this world. Albanay however isn't as idyllic as they make it out to be and I feel that they are repeating the mistakes of their parents and ancestors. In this world why create money that creates a caste system where the haves and have nots will be at odds? Still what Lindy's tale of her city does is engages the readers' mind and imagination and that's what really matters.
Nuno has converted me into a huge fan of his work. I mean there is a simplicity to it and the faces full on seem really cartoon like but I have gotten so used to them that I don't think I can see this any other way now. Plus he's not afraid to utilise backgrounds here and the library, the opening panel and the restaurant och this is bloody brilliant, now keep that up and utilise them more often. The linework is fantastic and seeing how he's able to utilise the varying weights really well. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this really good, solid and strong eye for storytelling. The colour work here is extremely interesting I am not sure where the light sources are coming from but they are utilised well and the glow of candlelight is nice with its kind of warm feel.
There is this totally natural feel to this book. I love that we don't see the past, it's done it happened we all know it so there is no reason to go back and dwell on it or see it. This is strictly moving forward and that is fantastic because again it allows the reader to imagine what happened, to use their minds in ways that make a difference. If you can engage a readers' mind and they think of ways something may have been or how plausible something is then you are doing more than you set out to do. Also there's that little thing about creating something that we just enjoy reading as well.
I love Aftershock they are in my top five company's that I wouldn't give up reading. The work is consistent, delightful, inspiring and entertaining just like this one is. The Orphan Age is a story that will surprise you and delight you with ever turn of the page.