Review: Survival # 1 (of 5)

In the opening scene of Survival# 1, we’re presented with two cool-looking teenagers riding bikes through sunlit fields and snooping where they shouldn’t be snooping. This well-loved pop culture trope is a central part of timeless classics such as The Goonies and Stranger Things, often signalling a story with excitement and heart-warming moments of friendship.

As these two laid-back teens excitedly rummage through the wreck of a crashed plane in small-town Alaska, excitement soon follows. But as for the warm-hearted friendship, look elsewhere if that’s what you want! Because Survival issue #1 soon turns into a heart-pounding chase that opens up a world of nuclear reactor meltdowns, ash falling from the sky and a deadly threat from a truly horrifying source.

The story follows Emma (think young Sarah Connor), with her little brother in tow, as they set off to see her ex-Military father in a shady militia compound in the deep woods. Emma is quickly drawn into the eerie darkness that edges its way into the story. Soon enough, bullets are flying, blood gets spilt, and Emma needs to put all her impressive survival skills to good use in a chase that keeps you flying through the pages!

A collaboration between Dark Horse and 12 Gauge publishing, Survival is written by Sean Lewis, who is well known for his fan-favourite run on The Scorched in the Spawn Universe. With the opening of this new series, Lewis has combined all the best elements of an action thriller with truly menacing horror. He’s created a believable protagonist that gets placed at the centre of the story nicely as she carries the horror-tinged thrill ride with cool intensity. The Sharpe dialogue easily flows through the fast-paced tale, with just enough solid wit and banter to balance out the horror vibes. It’s somewhat of a risk to have so much action packed into a first issue, where establishing the story is the main priority. But Lewis firmly installs this new world in readers’ minds and creates a sense of mystery and intrigue for us all to explore as the series continues.

The art is an absolute masterclass in action-based storytelling. Everett presents a beautiful, rugged backdrop and characters who show raw intensity to match the critical moments of horror and tension. The action sequences stand out thanks to some fantastic close-up shots caught in small panels that fall down the page, mixing with slower images and breathing even more life into this all-out action ride!

This opening issue of Survival sets the path for another slick and entertaining addition to the Dark Horse and 12-Gauge Comics collections. It produces stand-out performances from the creative team, especially Sean Lewis, who shows the flair of a writer at the top of their game.

Just don’t read it at night, and preferably not alone!

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colours – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Writer: Sean Lewis
Art: Bryndon Everett
Colors: Nathalie Barahona
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Published by; Image Comics