Past Aways #1
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Scott Kolins
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 25, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99
Kindt and Kolins deliver a strong, unique and flexible concept with Past Aways #1 but, the execution is muddled.
We’re introduced, in quick succession, to a series of people (our heroes one can presume but none of them are very likable) that are trapped in a world that is theirs but also, isn’t. They’re from Earth’s future, stuck here amongst the “primitive” humans of the 21st century and they desperately want to get back to their own time.
It’s not a totally original idea but it’s told in a refreshing way. Kindt jumps between dialogue and narration similar to how he does in his ongoing Valiant book, Divinity which I quite like. He’s a near master at constructing and, implementing unique narrative structures. However, little happens action-wise in this first issue and even less happens characterization-wise. We’re not given any real reason to care about these people or the predicament. In fact, all of their bickering and moaning makes them kind of unlikable. I’m sure it will change over time, but for now, there’s no heart, no humanization to the story which makes it hard to get into.
Kolins’ art catches the busy, flexible tone of Kindt’s script and tries his best to run with it. But, without much happening here, it kind of misses the mark. There’s some really good line work and the character designs are appealing even if they are a little unoriginal but some weird facial expressions and the out of frame techno-babble bits keep you from fully enjoying Kolins’ work.
Past Aways is stronger in idea than it is in presence. As the story unfolds, it might become something worth picking up but right now? You might be better holding off unless you’re a devoted fan of these creators.
Artist: Scott Kolins
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 25, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99
Kindt and Kolins deliver a strong, unique and flexible concept with Past Aways #1 but, the execution is muddled.
We’re introduced, in quick succession, to a series of people (our heroes one can presume but none of them are very likable) that are trapped in a world that is theirs but also, isn’t. They’re from Earth’s future, stuck here amongst the “primitive” humans of the 21st century and they desperately want to get back to their own time.
It’s not a totally original idea but it’s told in a refreshing way. Kindt jumps between dialogue and narration similar to how he does in his ongoing Valiant book, Divinity which I quite like. He’s a near master at constructing and, implementing unique narrative structures. However, little happens action-wise in this first issue and even less happens characterization-wise. We’re not given any real reason to care about these people or the predicament. In fact, all of their bickering and moaning makes them kind of unlikable. I’m sure it will change over time, but for now, there’s no heart, no humanization to the story which makes it hard to get into.
Kolins’ art catches the busy, flexible tone of Kindt’s script and tries his best to run with it. But, without much happening here, it kind of misses the mark. There’s some really good line work and the character designs are appealing even if they are a little unoriginal but some weird facial expressions and the out of frame techno-babble bits keep you from fully enjoying Kolins’ work.
Past Aways is stronger in idea than it is in presence. As the story unfolds, it might become something worth picking up but right now? You might be better holding off unless you’re a devoted fan of these creators.
A Look Inside
