Godshaper #1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 A god for everyone, and everyone has their god. Except for Godshapers -- those without their own gods but with the power to manipulate and change the gods of others, receiving payment in the form of food, clothes, or other readily available assets -- social outcasts ... until their services are needed. Ennay is a Godshaper with a unique relationship with a personless-god. Today they are approached by a girl who calls them on their racket and asks for help ....This series surprised and wowed me! The cover caught my eye. The plot blurb intrigued me, but I wasn't prepared for exactly what was in store for me. The idea is far-fetched and bizarre, but works amazingly well with the human ego and the not-so-pretty side of humans wanting and enjoying control over something else, or wanting something kitchy or cool to impress others with. This story is also an alternate history, taking place in 1958, and I'm curious how that will play out in the plot. The gods themselves are the most fascinating aspect. It's hard to get a read on their mental state. Some just seem to function as mindless tools. Others are shown enjoying music and dancing. They don't seem to like being changed and programmed by a Godshaper, but they can't do more than struggle. And none of them seem capable to speech or even making noise! What are they thinking? It's like a bizarre twist on a robot-future where everyone has androids they can customize at will ... and we all know how that works out in the end. But will this be different? Bud, the personless-god working with Ennay, is different in a few ways, as we learn through this first issue. Their designs are alien and fitting, something more like monsters of a fantasy setting -- but here, too, Bud stands out, looking more like a Halloween ghost. The concept of a Godshaper is the second more interesting aspect. Their lifestyle is so different from everyone else, and it makes me insanely curious how Godshapers came out in the first place. Their existence makes it seem like there was more design than not in this new world where the laws of physics have changed. And, like Bud, Ennay isn't normal for what he is, but saying more would give away the surprising end to this issue. Ennay makes for a rich main character. Our introduction to him is that he's shunned by society and comes off a bit like a snake-oil salesman. Something about him seemed bluesy to me, but seeing him wearing make-up and rockin'-out fit just as easily. He's professional when on the Godshaper job, but it was great to see him in his social element. Plus, he's a POC and not straight! And he's the star of the story! The woman who comes to him for help paints a fuller picture of this world, which is just as cruel as I expected. We get a peek at the military, which is downright scary. Sargent Clara "Smudge" Smith and her god barely survived the court martial, and now she's struggling, shamed by society for being a cripple (her word -- lost an arm), a girl, and broke. Her choice of justice / revenge is another fascinating glimpse into the uniqueness of this world and the deities that are now a part of it. The art works very well, mixing the almost-grungy humans with the fanciful gods. The vibrant colors are held in check, giving this comic an edge without being overwhelming. I'm excited! This comic is new and different, which is always a treat, but it also has good writing and art, with an interesting main character. Written: May 5, 2017
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