Apparently, there are seven secrets, be they words, wonders, weapons, and worse with the power to change the world. Protecting them is the mysterious Order and their army of Keepers and Holders. But as with many a secret order, there are secrets within secrets and protecting them comes with decisions, whether by choice or by duty, that may exact a high cost.
Tom Taylor writes this first issue with gusto. There are a lot of plates to spin in order to get the reader caught up. In one issue, we get a brief history lesson, a running battle, a recap and the introduction of a big bad! Thats quite a lot to get through, yet Taylor does it with ease and patience. The monologue running throughout the book, offers hints and glimpses to the bigger picture, in its meandering way. The eagle eyed amongst you will no doubt see the references to other media in there, maybe some Matrix and some Wanted for example, but theses are touches rather than out right plot points, at least in this early stage.
The art is provided by co-creator Daniele Di Nicuolo who has a mix of angular styles and manga. As with the writing, there are elements of pace throughout the issue, though there are a couple of key quieter moments that will shape the narrative. Di Nicuolo captures the essence of the physicality of the characters well; heroic stances, monk that look like, monks; even the big bad is suitably addressed. If there was one critique it would be that at times, faces seem to lack detail, but that is a minor flaw when the book moves at its frenetic pace. The colors are supplied by Walter Baiamonte with assists by Katia Ranalli. What the pair lack in nuance, they more than make up for with boldness. The colors here are too digital at times, though when it goes to setting the scenes, be it the council or the fight scenes, their heaviness suits the book. Finally, letterer Ed Dukeshire delivers a nice, easy reading font to contrast all the action on show,
I wasn’t too certain heading into this book and now that I have read it, I don’t think that I am any further forward to be honest. There are parts I really like, there are parts that don’t quite work for me. A first issues main job is to deliver the hook, by which a reader is grabbed. I am can see how this book will be attractive to a lot of readers and it is good to see Taylor move away from the “alternative DC Universe” arena for which is he is probably best known.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by;Â Tom Taylor
Art by; Daniele Nicuolo
Colors by; Walter Baiamonte with Katia Ranalli
Letters by; Ed Dukeshire
Published by; Boom! Studios
Author Profile
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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
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