Trees #02
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Jason Howard
Publisher: Image
Unfortunately, we’ve progressed very little from where we started. That ain’t too bad though, as Ellis starts to shed more light on some of the characters briefly encountered last issue, and more so their circumstances and motivations.
Opening with the scientists stationed at the Arctic research facility, relationships are established between the researchers through dialogue as well as why some of them are even out in the Arctic in the first place, all driven (for the most part) by the appearance of the Trees. Delving further into the issue, we come to gain more understanding that rather than posing a chance for humanity to “unite against a common enemy,” the Trees have potentially unsettled tensions even further amongst international relations, in political and even economic manners. This is my main draw to the series right now – the social science fiction route it seems to have taken in addition to mystery. Rather than outright delving into the mystery that is the Trees (which I admit would be wonderful), Ellis takes his time in building a world that is clearly not new to the existence of such an alien presence, but is nonetheless still at too much of disadvantage to do anything. This is Lovecraftian nature is honestly more horrifying to me than most other traditional horror approaches, as the world as a whole must remain on standby in the wake of a threat that cannot truly be deemed hostile, nor neutral or even friendly at this point.
Howard’s art work continues to lend strong support to Ellis’s gripping narrative and character development, as we gradually begin to gain more insight into the impact that the Trees have had upon the world at large. Here’s to hoping that we gain SOME sort of insight in coming issues, because while I’m enjoying the tone of this series, I am admittedly not known for patience.
Artist: Jason Howard
Publisher: Image
Unfortunately, we’ve progressed very little from where we started. That ain’t too bad though, as Ellis starts to shed more light on some of the characters briefly encountered last issue, and more so their circumstances and motivations.
Opening with the scientists stationed at the Arctic research facility, relationships are established between the researchers through dialogue as well as why some of them are even out in the Arctic in the first place, all driven (for the most part) by the appearance of the Trees. Delving further into the issue, we come to gain more understanding that rather than posing a chance for humanity to “unite against a common enemy,” the Trees have potentially unsettled tensions even further amongst international relations, in political and even economic manners. This is my main draw to the series right now – the social science fiction route it seems to have taken in addition to mystery. Rather than outright delving into the mystery that is the Trees (which I admit would be wonderful), Ellis takes his time in building a world that is clearly not new to the existence of such an alien presence, but is nonetheless still at too much of disadvantage to do anything. This is Lovecraftian nature is honestly more horrifying to me than most other traditional horror approaches, as the world as a whole must remain on standby in the wake of a threat that cannot truly be deemed hostile, nor neutral or even friendly at this point.
Howard’s art work continues to lend strong support to Ellis’s gripping narrative and character development, as we gradually begin to gain more insight into the impact that the Trees have had upon the world at large. Here’s to hoping that we gain SOME sort of insight in coming issues, because while I’m enjoying the tone of this series, I am admittedly not known for patience.
A Look Inside
