LOW #1 Review
Image Comics
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Greg Tocchini
Letterer: Rus Wooten
Cover: Greg Tocchini
Review by: Tom Barnett
I’m not going to mince words here. This is an excellent comic book. This issue wasted no time propelling you into another sci-fi concept from Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini. The story takes place in the far future when the Earth’s Sun has expanded on it’s way to becoming a supernova and the radiation levels are too high for life on the surface. So man has gone deep into the ocean. What a fantastic premise, huh?
The drama opens with a scene and dialogue that are straight off a movie screen. Remender’s dialogue in the form of a voiceover let you know you’re in for a helluva ride. Tocchini’s art is so cinematic in the layout and panel flow. Tocchini gives a two page title layout that is little more than a flare falling down deeper into the Ocean, but it’s beautiful. I love the font and design of the credits here too. A whole lot of design genius and creativity going on here.
After opening credits and mystery scene, we meet our main characters, Johl and his wife Stel. The dialogue in this scene is so good. Remender really brings these characters to life with his dialogue. This scene could easily be taking place in anytime or place, so it’s very accessible to the reader. And that’s where he sucks you in.
The opening scene caught your attention, but this second scene grabs your heart. We learn that Johl and Stel have three children and they bicker about whether the two girls are old enough for hunting with Johl. They also flirt with each other in a very real and playful way. When the story makes a huge and ugly turn of events, you’re shocked and genuinely concerned about the characters. That’s exactly how it should be.
Tocchini’s art work is beautiful. I love seeing this new under ocean world that he has designed. The family’s main ship has a very sleek almost pulp sci-fi feel to it. Tocchini’s colors are fantastic too. His work really comes to life even more when you start reading the book.
There is so much packed into this first issue and yet it doesn’t feel rushed. Remender and Tocchini introduce the reader to this dangerous new world, while breathing life into the characters, making you care about them and then hooking you for the next issue. The final scene is so gut punching, yet completely optimistic.
Fantastic letter work from veteran Rus Wooten. Some of Tocchini’s panel are densely packed and Wooten keeps the words perfectly located and yet gently moving the story forward. There’s no jarring in its placement, which could be a problem in those tight panels. Also I dig the font he uses for the majority of the dialogue, fine and sharp and easily readable.
High concept Sci-fi with heart. Sequential storytelling excellence. LOW is like holding a movie in your hands. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Story: 5/5
Art: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Tom is a contributing writer for Drunk On Comics. You can follow him on Twitter at @tphoto10.