Assassins from Minerva World Services are hunting Sprout and Serena as they pursue the truth. What is it that Sprout knows about Minerva? Why are they hunting her and vice versa? Who is behind the hunt and why is Sprout at the center of it all?
Doug Wagner has a way with writing dialogue, especially gestural dialogue for characters that don’t audibly speak. In the case of the protagonist, Sprout, her ability to communicate despite lack of ASL (American Sign Language) through gestural and facial expression conveys just as much weight as the words spoken by the lens character, Serena Biggs, who is hysterical as Sprout’s foil. What makes the dynamic of Sprout and Serena so engaging is how they comprehend each other despite language barriers, often communicating through photographs, which adds mystery while brilliantly showing the beauty of show, don’t tell. While there is action, Wagner is wise to ensure that it doesn’t substitute the importance of story and character, and there is more insight as to who Sprout is, why she and Serena are connected in their pursuit against Minerva World Services, and how it all trickles down to something more grander than anyone could fathom. The pacing is well written that by the time you arrive at the cliffhanger of the issue, you’re left demanding for more.
Doug Dabbs is a master illustrator with a sleek art style that elevates the visual storytelling of this book. Paired with Matt Wilson’s clever choice of textured colorwork that blends beautifully with Dabbs’ linework and compositions, and Ed Dukeshire’s crisp, and well-placed lettering, this book is visually delightful to glaze one’s eyes on. My regret is that I didn’t jump onto this book until going back, reading the first issue in order to contextually read the second issue, and much like the first issue, it’ll have you hooked from beginning to end, clamoring for the next issue. As a CODA, it’s nice to see a character that may be mute, carry an action-packed mystery story and write with autonomy and respect that is unique to the story that’s being told. This is the kind of Echo comic that isn’t published by Marvel and thankfully stands on its own as an enthralling espionage tale. If you enjoy stylistic comics, or films like John Wick, Atomic Blonde, and Bullet Train, then this is one to add to your pull list.
Newsdesk