Review: Clear #1 (of 3)

Some people that you have to mindful that your world view doesn’t become your reality. Take for example you insecurities; you know what that they are (worldview), but you may think that others feel the same ay about you (your new reality). This idea is extrapolated in Scott Snyder and Francis Manapul’s new mini series from Dark Horse Comics.

Since the Red War and the evolution of the internet, people have been able to purchase veils. These veils allow the user to see and live in a world of their choice. You want to live in the 1940’s, there is a veil for that. You want to live in cartoon world, there is a veil for that. Want everyone to wear fishnets? Well, you get the idea. In this world lives Same Dunes, a Neo-shamus, which is someone who doesn’t live in veil, he is clear sighted. When his ex-wfie bequeaths him a gift that throws doubt on her apparent suicide, Dunes is set unto a mystery that proves once and for all not everything is as it seems.

I have often said that Scott Snyder, who is one of the nicest people working in comics, can often create a great setup before crashing the landing. As per the norm, Snyder creates a new world for the reader to get immersed in, if you can handle an 8 page joke, ironically the punchline isn’t great. Snyder utilises a couple of influences; gum shoe detective stories is probably the most obvious, the other feels like the movie Surrogates. The dialogue is tense and terse from the outset, Dunes is a seemingly decent person, though he obviously has some problems that he needs to deal with. Seeing the world as it really takes its toll.

Francis Manapul’s art is impressive in lots of places. It must be hard having to draw not just one world, but lots of various other worlds as each character see the world. This is a great way to keep the reader on their toes. Manapul’s figure work is strong, even if Dunes has a a Bruce Wayne kind of look. With the premise of the book, it makes sense that Manapul provides his own color schemes. In doing so he keeps his ideas cohesive for the most part; the snapshot of the past was a little unsettling, but its an important part of the book. Finally, AndWorld Design does a great job with the letters and design, especially given how wordy this issue is. Surely he deserves a cover credit Dark Horse?

Dark Horse, kings of the mini-series format, have allowed Snyder and Manapul to produce a giant sized issue. which allows Snyder’s script to breath without the confines of 22 pages. This gives book a more fuller, grander, more epic feel to proceedings. It also means that you will be done in three issues, albeit at a higher price point. For the swathes of Snyder fans out there, this is another great example of the world outside of Batman!

Writing – 5 Stars

Art & Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Scott Snyder
Art & Colors by; Fancis Manapul
Letters & Design by; AndWorld Design
Published by; Dark Horse Comics

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