What is it about future type societies that always seem to need to be broken down or just plain broken in some way? Whether its Logan on the run or Neo bringing down the Matrix, there is always somebody looking to prove that their world needs to be re-made. The answer, of course, is if the world was perfect, there would be no tension, no drama and as such, no story.
Created by writer Matt Hawkins and artist Raffaele Ienco, Symmetry from Image Comics via Top Cow Productions Inc.,  tells the story of a said society, explaining with a type of “previously on…” page, which is needed. From there we get to see an act of rebellion which leads to a young man reliving his life, from childhood to present day. During this there are a couple of clues as to who is in control, but no real motive is discussed.  A freak accident propels our hero on a course of freedom at the cost of his older brother. But what are they fighting for?
Hawkins has, along with Ienco, produced a very realised world where the futuristic elements seems to be common place. This allows the reader to fully believe in the world and the rules that govern it, even if at some point those rules have to be broken. The script works well on two fronts. Firstly, it shows this world off, again creating a high level of immersion, along with the characters acceptance of their situation. Secondly, the voice of our hero is somewhat longing, wishing for his old life. Maybe grass isn’t greener after all.
Ienco’s art may not blow you away, but it is a perfect fit for this book. Where he falls down, facial expressions for example, he makes up for with panel design. Also on song are the faceless robotic Agent Smiths and the overall style of the world.
This book is as much about control and acceptance of your life as it is about rebellion and trying to make things better. It also covers the idea of what we human beings need to be successful in life and what happens when each key element is removed, asking the question, what is left when the key elements have been destroyed.
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
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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