Eclipse Vol. 1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 In a post-solar-flare world, direct sunlight is instantly lethal so the surviving population has retreated underground. Bax is an Iceman, able to wear an Iceman suit and go onto Earth's surface while the sun is out. He's actually the best, so he gets asked to do the dangerous jobs, which this time includes protecting the daughter of a solar mogul. He discovers a man able to go above without a suit -- a man targeting the heirs of the solar moguls. Bax's job just got a lot harder and a lot more dangerous! You can read my review of issue #1 here.The setting for this story is unique, which is what caught my attention in the first place. The threat of the sun creates dangers and situations, and even shapes the society in ways that are realistically post-apocalyptic; that is different from the fanciful dystopian futures we often find in other stories. And different is interesting. The writing is excellent, giving us a good feel for characters, relationships, and overall plot. This volume hints at conspiracy while also pointing to scientific explanations, which makes for an engaging and layered read. Such a story could have worked in a text-only format, but combining it with comic art makes the reading experience richer while also enhancing the unpleasantness of the situation. This art in particular is quite wowing. Highly detailed, the page-scapes draw you in and show you just what you need to know, from a feel for the city as a whole, to depicting how Bax is a bit different / separate from his fellow Icemen. (That page in particular is talked about in the extra, and it's almost cinematic in how it's handled!) On top of all that, the art instills horror -- the horror of instantly burning alive and what happens to the body during that final moment of searing pain. It's gruesome, but not gorey. The washed out color palette works well to convey the starkness of the environment. The end of this volume includes some extras. Many pages go over the process for creating the covers and certain other, richly detailed pages -- commentary and progress sketches are both included. Also included are a letter from the Director of FEMA and a letter from the 46th President of the United States, the latter providing some insight into how this city (New York) fits in with the rest of the world ... or doesn't. I'm intrigued by this, and it has a very Governor-type mindset (from The Walking Dead), so it will be interesting to see how this affects the happenings in New York (or if doesn't). I'm definitely ready to read volume 2. Written: April 24, 2017
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