Top Cow Productions/Image Comics 2015
Created by Matt Hawkins
Written by Bryan Hill & Matt Hawkins
Illustrated by Isaac Goodhart
Coloured & Edited by Betsy Gonia
I like this series we started off with this weird mystery and we are watching it unfold with even more secrets and lies in an infinite loop of reveal the truth and find more that’s hidden. There’s something gripping and yet inherently creepy about this town and the folks that inhabit it that no one uses cell phones, they all pay cash and they all have something to hide. Then there is Mark and his unique view of the world with aspergers and his friendship with Maggie which last issue came to a shocking new place.
I was taken with the artwork here too. The flashback of when Maggie tells Mark of her background and why she was with the FBI agent was so much brighter than the normal washed out colours we see of the folks in Eden. The contrast really showcases the town as a darker character full of secrets and it’s highly effective. This is the whole package where the interior artwork really enhances the storytelling experience.
This issue took me to an unexpected place. Sure the background with Maggie was great and who she was compared who we see is dramatically different but she and Mark have this connection and a kind of partners in crime vibe going on that is nice but it’s what happens after that which really made me take pause.
The sheriff is at home dispute where two lovebirds are having a quarrel, it’s interesting to see him try and talk to these two women. He’s kind of an ass but his tough love approach here was brilliantly written! What I loved about this little interlude was that this is how things should be handled regardless of who forms the couple it’s so nonchalant that the Sheriff is there for this. Ironically right after that he and Mark talk and he’s back to being rather rude. Mark’s looking for his mother and he’s told “she might need a little break from you Mark” and he means it as if he’s just sweeping the kid under the rug as he isn’t worth his time. This is the kind of characterization we love to see.
Oh I cannot get over the relationship Mark has with his mother. Controlling, manipulative, vengeful bitch doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. She keeps calling him weak but he’s not and she’s too blinded by her own demons to really see her son for who he is. Oh and that she wants him to stay as far away from his father that’s a red flag and it automatically makes you want to meet the man. I won’t go into the meeting between father and son suffice it to say it’s incredible dialogue and seems to have more meaning at times than others if you pay attention, regarding Mark’s sister for instance. All this leads up to the last page and as we leave this issue it’s pretty a no brainer that you’ll be back because now you need to see what happens next.
This is a slam dunk people you can’t help but get caught up in the town and form your own speculations as to why they all have their secrets and then the desire to learn them is strong. Power struggles and a mystery about what’s really going on in this town all combine to keep you on the edge of your seat.