Wayward #1
Written by: Jim Zub
Art by: Steve Cummings, John Rauch, Marshall Dillon, & Zack Davisson
I think we're living in a new era of comics that's driven by strong female characters. Nothing could make me happier. Gone are the days of the overbearing chivalrous male archetypes, and helpless damsels in distress. The lead in this character, while definitely still learning and growing, can take care of herself. The lead I speak of is Rori Lane, Wayward's hero. I can relate a lot with her because she comes from her parents have split up (mine also), but also because she's in a stage in her life that's requiring her to look at life in a new way (hey, me too!). Jim Zub's characterization of her is spot-on. By the end of the first issue, I was given a strong view of who Rori is. She feels very fleshed-out and real. This is something that should be commended, because some books struggle with defining their characters right out of the gate.
On top of having a realistic and fully realized main character, we're also treated to the setting and scenery of Japan. This setting is a character in and of itself. The backdrops breathe life into every scene, and nothing is boring to look at. This is thanks to the phenomenal art team. Steve Cummings and John Rauch bring everything on the page to life with energy that I rarely see in comics today. The linework zigs and zags, filling up the pages like the busy streets of Japan, and the colors pop like neon signs. Even though they've avoided the stereotypical Tokyo at nighttime depictions of Japan, one can see those elements permeate the page. I'm hoping that eventually this team will get the draw some of the more serene locations in Japan like the Chubu region.
The first issue of Wayward left me craving for more. I've barely even scraped the surface in this review. This is a perfect example of how to start a series on the right foot. Do yourself a favor (and the talented team working on this book) and pick it up. You won't regret it.
F.D. White is a writer currently working on his first mini-series, "The Fourth Sun". You can follow him on Twitter at @fdwhite19
Art by: Steve Cummings, John Rauch, Marshall Dillon, & Zack Davisson
I think we're living in a new era of comics that's driven by strong female characters. Nothing could make me happier. Gone are the days of the overbearing chivalrous male archetypes, and helpless damsels in distress. The lead in this character, while definitely still learning and growing, can take care of herself. The lead I speak of is Rori Lane, Wayward's hero. I can relate a lot with her because she comes from her parents have split up (mine also), but also because she's in a stage in her life that's requiring her to look at life in a new way (hey, me too!). Jim Zub's characterization of her is spot-on. By the end of the first issue, I was given a strong view of who Rori is. She feels very fleshed-out and real. This is something that should be commended, because some books struggle with defining their characters right out of the gate.
On top of having a realistic and fully realized main character, we're also treated to the setting and scenery of Japan. This setting is a character in and of itself. The backdrops breathe life into every scene, and nothing is boring to look at. This is thanks to the phenomenal art team. Steve Cummings and John Rauch bring everything on the page to life with energy that I rarely see in comics today. The linework zigs and zags, filling up the pages like the busy streets of Japan, and the colors pop like neon signs. Even though they've avoided the stereotypical Tokyo at nighttime depictions of Japan, one can see those elements permeate the page. I'm hoping that eventually this team will get the draw some of the more serene locations in Japan like the Chubu region.
The first issue of Wayward left me craving for more. I've barely even scraped the surface in this review. This is a perfect example of how to start a series on the right foot. Do yourself a favor (and the talented team working on this book) and pick it up. You won't regret it.
F.D. White is a writer currently working on his first mini-series, "The Fourth Sun". You can follow him on Twitter at @fdwhite19
A Look Inside
