Advance Review: Black Stars Above #5 (of 5)
The hit series, Black Stars Above, from Vault concludes as the meanderings and motivations of Eulalio are challenged as the infant in her care starts to change. With the northern town nearer, there is a doubt if the target destination will be all that she hopes or will her charge bring her closer to the ruins of reality.
I am a big fan of co-creator and writer Lonnie Nadler having first seen his work on The Dregs. Since then, he has created a number of surreal situations in a number of different books. Even his Cable issues for Marvel kind of pushed the boundaries of the much time”“travelled mutant. Here, he has taken the time to develop this story of Eulalio as she planned to deliver a package to the nameless town. In the process, he has played with the perceptions of his characters and the readers. Whilst the book is shy of dialogue, the inner monologue drives the story forward, though it also allows Nadler to set the scenes as he sees fit, which is how he can set the reader up for some of the more horror inspired surprises. It“s hard to jump into the book at this late stage; but take the time to go and check out the back issues section of your LCBS.
The art is provided by newcomer and co-creator Jenna Cha. Cha has a style that reminds me of Guy Davis of Sandman Mystery Theatre from the now defunct Vertigo label. It is a style that matches the tone of the book well, building on its own mystery, coupled with an environment that is ever changing The black stars have an impact and an inference of danger that threatens Eulalio’s own reason for existence. Could her quest all be for naught? Colors are provided by Brad Simpson, who gives the book a kind of sandalwood scheme to mirror the story’s presence in nature. Dynamite Entertainment alumni Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou is the letterer who gives the book a hand-written style, which in itself becomes part of the story.
In many ways this is a hard book to review, as it covers loads of different aspects and challenges of existence, powered by the choices made and the idea of being true to yourself. It is not for the fainthearted matching its Vault Comics brethren. Nadler and Cha have managed to create a story that is part horror, part faith, part science fiction, wrapped in five intriguing issues.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
Overall – 4 Stars
Written by; Lonnie Nadler
Art by; Jenna Cha
Colors by; Brad Simpson
Letters by; Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Published by; Vault Comics
Black Stars Above #5 will shine in comic book shops on March 18th.
Author Profile
- 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
Latest entries
Comic BooksOctober 14, 2024Review: Absolute Batman #1
Comic BooksSeptember 25, 2024Review: Defenders of the Earth #2 (of 8)
Comic BooksAugust 7, 2024Review: Gatchaman #2
Advance ReviewJuly 30, 2024Advance Review: Defenders of the Earth #1 (of 8)
You must be logged in to post a comment.