Image Comics 2015
Written by Kel Symons
Illustrated by Nate Stockman
Coloured by Paul Little
This has been one of the shining breakout series of the year for me. From its beginnings to where it’s evolved to this series constantly surprises and thrills me. Kel has emerged as a writer to really take note of with this book. There’s a great surprise blend of sword and sorcery with science fiction at play that really sets it apart from what’s currently being offered today.
Last issue the Venn captured Seph. This issue the remaining members of the group emerge in the Barrens and head back home for some rest and nourishment. Meanwhile brother M’thall has Seph and will keep her close in order to lure the team to him. It’s actually a smart move but he’s not counting on the team to being as united as they are. M’thall also desperately wants what’s been uncovered during the dig.
So back at home the group shows it’s not as solid as it appears. There’s dissension among them about going back for Seph versus the fate of the inhabitants of Fate. I love seeing them back with their people and knowing what they know but being the only ones knowing that. They’ve seen so much that trying to convey this now isn’t something they can do there’s too much more important things to take care of. Among that is after learning of what the Venn have found and having to stop them from keeping it.
I love this because in getting to that machine to make inoperable for the Venn we see a little of everything they’ve learned about to date. From outright fighting to the use of the singular technology they’ve mastered to all the stuff they’ve learned being on the run. Kel has found a way to incorporate everything to date into the continuation of the story and that is extremely impressive to me. Every month that I read this book I get more and more impressed with what we get and that’s monumental.
I’ve been just as impressed with Nate and Paul’s work on the interiors. They too get stronger and stronger with each issue. They’ve managed to take the concept and incorporate all the elements of different genres to create a new one extremely well. The page layouts, the panel usage not to mention the attention to detail in the people, Venn and the backgrounds all combine to make this even more remarkable.
If you haven’t given this a chance then you should it defies everything you expect it to be. That you can constantly be surprised and amazed is a huge treat and something very few books can accomplish.