Advance Review: The Sickness #1

The idea of connected horrific events, can in some cases, allow for a sense of inevitability as if the first occasion is so abhorrent that there needs to be some sort of order to the world, that allows for it’s existence. Once is abhorrent, twice becomes the norm.

In 1945, Daniel Buss, an anxious young lad, suffers a range of mental health symptoms including hallucinations and a stalking presence all of which leads to ridicule from the heart of small town America. Fast forward 10 years and Doctor George Brooks, a war vet, deals with the sole survivor of housewife gone mad killing spree. Are the two connected? Doctor Brooks believe so as he delves into two horrifying illnesses and a mysterious witness to it all!

Jenna Cha, a writer / artist is joined in writing duties by Lonnie Nadler. Now, I have been a fan of Nadler since The Dregs. Here the pair spend quite a bit of time establishing Daniel’s story before fast forwarding to the good doctor. In doing so, they deliver a level of dialogue that feels a tad anachronistic, which marries with the mental health aspect, which back in 1945 would not have gained the same awareness as mental health receives nowadays. The second half works better with Doctor Brooks becoming the fulcrum of the story, allowing the reader to learn things as he does in part, though we do get to see behind the curtain a tad. A clever mix to keep the reader on their toes. The book is wordy for sure; there is a lot going on, so by definition, there is a lot to get through. Finally, there is something ominous about lurking strangers.

Cha also provides the art in a style that could be described as etchy. Its a greyscale affair, so shades of grey and crosshatching is in full effect. Figures and poses seem a little wooden in places, especially the first half of the book, though the environs are pretty well detailed; I love the opening panel of building work mirrored in Daniels face, very clever. Other details are well observed in the correct places; the care home, the diner, the street are all steeped in the relevant time period. Who knew so much had changed in ten years? With so much going on, it should go without saying that a world class letterer is required and in this case is duly delivered in the always spectacular work of Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou who ensures that the verbiage doesn’t detract from the time period setting art.

This is a bit of a throwback book of sorts. Mental health is a serious topic that deserves serious discussion. In part, this book looks to serve notice at how things have progressed. There is the horror element; the darkness that lives inside is prevalent in much the same way the ignorance of the many is shown in Daniel’s world. A thoughtful book with characters that you cannot help but get involved with.

Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3.5

Overall – 3.5 Stars

Written by; Jenna Cha & Lonnie Nadler
Art by; Jenna Cha
Letters by; Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Published by; Uncivilized Comics

The Sickness #1 is due in shops 14th June 2023; Diamond Order Code APR231914

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network