This review is looking at the first three issues of The Elemental Balance!
There are times when you read a comic and the passion is clearly on the page. Where the mere creation of the book itself is the creator“s dream manifested. You get that sense while reading The Elemental Balance by Zain Shenwari and Luke Horsman. It may not be as polished as most mainstream comics, but there is potential here as these creators and their characters attempt to find themselves.
The story centers on a group of individuals who have been granted powers for reasons not quite known. They all come from different parts of the world but share this odd connection. Each has died and been reborn with the power of the element that originally killed them. Chloe, who so far appears to be our main antagonist, has the power to control water and a desire to find out what exactly is going on. Going as far as traveling around the world to find the other Elementals.
Chloe is easily the series biggest strength so far. Her motivation to discover what exactly is happening is based on both her fear and the guilt she holds for the death of someone extremely close to her. She is easily the most fleshed out character and if this series can continue to build on her potential as well as develop the other characters in a similar manner this narrative will greatly benefit. Her story is specific to her, however, the broader themes behind are universal and easy to relate towards. We have all had those situations where our selfishness has greatly hurt others, even if our intentions were good. You want to see her succeed and find peace, which is the type of narrative anchor you need for any story to flourish.Â
So far the series has struggled some with that concept and how to balance it with keeping the story moving. At times the dialog can come off as a tad clunky with forceful exposition that often is not needed. An example of this is in the third issue during one of the biggest action set pieces of the book thus far. There is a moment where Chloe takes the time to explain why her ability to control water would have a similar influence over snow. If you trust the audience enough to make that connection you do not have a moment that undercuts the tension by overtly telegraphing what is about to happen.
There is a positive message to take from this series as this diverse group of individuals is coming together despite the barriers put in front of them to form a bond and common goal. Considering the climate of current times that is certainly an easy message to get behind. Â Writer Zain Shenwari even finds ways to utilize their cultural difference to benefit the story. One of the biggest ties into actual foundation of the narrative as different cultures perceive the concept of elements quite differently, and the answer to what exactly is happening lies within that vary difference.
Luke Horsman“s art works best on a storytelling level. His panel design is clean and easy to follow. For the most part he sticks to the basic fundamentals of panel structure and it works well keeping the book focused. There are some small inconsistencies with his character designs, but the biggest area in need of improvement in his anatomy and facial rendering. He uses limited lines which can work, however there simply not enough there to sell some of the more dramatic moments. None of it is to the point where it derails the series, however, finding a better balance with his inks and colors would go quite a long way.
Final Thoughts:
The Elemental Balance is a series that would satisfy a lot of fantasy fans, and it is easy to appreciate the message it is attempting to convey. It may not be the most polished indie comic, but there is plenty of potential here to build on. If it can expand on some of its character strengths and fine tune the art it would better separate itself from similar concepts.
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Writer: Zain Shenwari
Artist: Luke Horsman
Letterer: Zain Shenwari
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- A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.
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