James would like to run away! His dad drinks and his mom ignores him. James does not feel good about life and his special powers. Distorted #1 from Scout Comics looks at those who are super, but not ‘superheroes’.
Written by Salvatore Vivenzio, Distorted is well-paced and suspenseful. Vivenzio is able to pace the narrative, show us hints and allegations, and build a mood. We are led along the trail of the tale, you could say. And it’s masterful in presentation.
The artwork by Gabriele Falzone (colour assist by Francesco Canneva) is clear and concise. In harmony, the line drawings, shading, and colour work together to communicate the text and subtext of a scene: we know what a character is capable of and what his thoughts are, simply by reading the facial expressions or Falzone’s hints of colour. The story panels flow well, the amount of overall environment detail is just right: and we have established where we are, and what’s going on!
Distorted #1″ punches above its weight”, is a really strong first issue, and makes us wonder more about these mysterious super-beings, why they are ‘super’, and where the inevitable drama and violence will erupt. Oh, and there’s a love connection. Just sayin’.
Did I enjoy it and do I recommend it? Yes.
Scout Comics, Distorted #1, $3.99 for 26 pages of content.
Newsdesk