Writer Nick Gibson sets the stage for The Screecher #1 by introducing us to young Avery Fletcher and her father in better times.
Their backyard game of hide and seek is interrupted by a phone call, setting us up for the second stage of this first issue: The father has been framed, and seven years later, Avery must come back to Ann Arbor Michigan to try to free him!
Brian Quiroga provides line art for the interior (awesome cover by Xeviuss!), and keeps a tight rein on point of view. We are central to the action at all times, seeing the faces and expressions. Quiroga gives us diagonal panel borders and the occasional splash page for dramatic emphasis. Colourist Goichlmonji keeps the palette smokey and subtle, allowing shadows and dark values to hint at the tone and mystery of the story. Nikki Powers’ lettering is strong and professional, helping us stay tightly involved in this intro chapter in the adventures of an unlikely costumed hero called The Screecher!
Screecher has a fun concept, verging on superhero parody, sporting some of the tropes and cliches of the genre. But there’s nothing wrong with playing with the tools in the toolbox. The essence of the story is good, if a little slow in the middle when we see The Screecher for the first time. Those scenes feels a bit too convenient, everything falling into place very smoothly.
But let’s stay tuned, this is the first issue, let’s keep our feathers furled and ready for the next issue!
The Phoenix Press, The Screecher #1. $5 for 25 pages of content. Contact The Phoenix Press for purchase details: Their Twitter handle is @ProjectAxis1
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