Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
The Wake #1
Vertigo (DC Comics)
Snyder & Murphy
Scott Snyder has some experience writing horror comics. From American Vampire to Severed even to elements of his Batman or Swamp Thing run touch on the genre. That's why when a new horror max-series (ten issues) focuses on horror deep down in the ocean the book is something to take note of. This first issue roles out the characters and establishes the mystery that will drive the suspense going forward. This is a good first issue to what looks to be a promising series.
The story begins in an unrecognizable future. It seems clear the ocean has grown in size and we follow a pair of characters (one is a dolphin) through a series of strange events that has a nice little cliffhanger. From there, the book joins the core cast in the present. A female scientist is recruited by a homeland security agent to assist in identifying a strange underwater noise.
After some discussion that gives the reader some background about the character's situation she agrees to help. We quickly learn that the problem is more than just strange sounds as homeland security has rounded up a series of other experts for the task. All of them were told they were on board for different reasons, which creates a lot of mistrust and general turmoil.
The comic is a good story and it has a fantastic cliffhanger. Basically this book introduces a cast of characters and gives the reader a glimpse of the problem at hand. Overall, the book is good and moves quickly through the components.
The aspect of the book I wasn't crazy about was the overuse of the political aspect. Illegal oil rigs, issues with homeland security and government funding issues just adds too much politics in too many panels. Where space is precious this concept should have been contained to one spot rather three or four. It's a horror comic not a political one.
Murphy is a tremendously detailed and he does that again here. The drawback is that this series is so long that delays are inevitable and that could take some steam away as we go. The artwork punctuates the view horrific images well and that is always good to see in a suspenseful story like this. I liked how Murphy got in a nod towards his fantastic Punk Rock Jesus series.
The Wake is off to a good start. I like the characters and I like the setup for the horror component enough to come back for more. Hopefully the next issue will continue to expand the threat without giving everything away. If you like great writing and a little bit of fright then this is the book for you. Give it a try.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
