When the world is in chaos … you never know who to trust.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Ralph Tedesco
Artwork: J.G. Miranda
Colors: Bryan Valenza
Letters: Kurt Hathaway
What They Say:
Zenescope’s brand new Apocalyptic thriller continues here! Eve Harper fights for her life against a pack of mutated and bloodthirsty creatures called ‘Primals.’ Meanwhile, the ruthless Apostles find they’re unwelcome at the compound they’ve forced their way into as they threaten the residents with bodily harm unless the Apostles leader, Colvin, is treated for his wounds.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Eve will do anything to complete a job, but when that involves trying to survive against a pack of Primals, then she might have second thoughts. As one is breathing above about to maul her terrified form, a quick elbow followed by a knife jab through the mouth is enough to take care of it, but its friends are still raging around her. Knowing the odds are not in her favor, Harper has no choice but to make a run for it, hoping for the best. Luckily they do not follow and she is free to proceed to the delivery point, without any further problems. After arriving at the designated rendezvous spot, she delivers her package to interim Specters boss Jansen, before leaving to get her bike fixed and wounds tended. As the doctor finishes, true leader Colvin summons the Courier to his tent, much to the chagrin of his brother and manipulative girlfriend. Turns out the two are friends and wish to reminisce about better times before the plague and negotiate a payment deal, but the sour sibling and his woman are not happy with the situation.
Once they finish their discussion, Colvin tells Eve to send his brother in, revealing that he knows it was Jansen’s fault he was shot and his greed for stealing goods lead to bitter relations with a now rival gang. His brother’s partner is the reason everything has gone wrong, so as leader of the Specters, Colvin is kicking her out and holding his sibling responsible pending a trial. As the former boss leaves his brother’s quarters, the woman in question tries to calm him down, but Jansen will not listen to reason, having plans of his own. However Harper does not know about this upcoming commotion, as she is busy trying to find someone who will repair her wheel. While she offers to patch it herself, the mechanic’s wife is adamant no one touches her husband’s tools, not until he wakes up from his nap. But as the discussion fails to progress, Specters arrive to escort Eve to receive her payment; it seems that all is fine, until the Courier notices a knife slowly being revealed from under a sleeve, then she takes action. This was supposed to be a simple delivery job, but nothing is as it seems in the wastelands.
In Summary:
The story is beginning to progress a little better, but it still seems writer Ralph Tedesco has borrowed some ideas from a well-known movie franchise and television – namely The Courier: From the Ashes had become a mix of Mad Max and Sons of Anarchy. While I do appreciate this new approach for a post-apocalyptic view into the ruined landscape of America, the narrative is too similar with elements from other tales within this genre. Of course, civilization has collapsed so people have reverted back to simpler ways, but even problems which they encounter appear to be gleaned from the same social hierarchy of biker gangs we have seen in popular culture. Plus the concept of Eve’s job could be likened to the Pony Express, except she has more horsepower between her legs. While all of these elements do combine into an interesting narrative, this current issue still seems like something which I might have seen from any police drama – our heroine has gone undercover to infiltrate the Specters, and then something goes all too wrong. Although the theme is familiar as you read the story, it feels like you should yell out a warning, knowing something bad is going to happen just when you turn the page.
J.G. Miranda gives us a spectacular opening within this issue, presenting the reader with a dynamic fight scene in which we become involved, even with the goofy expressions presented on Eve’s face. The tenacious illustrations portrayed on the page projects us into the barren landscape, a rugged world in which only the strong survive. However while these sequences do propel the audience through this desolate world, Bryan Valenza’s selection of a vapid tonal palette detracts from Miranda’s art by softening the overall feel of the book; at times, it is almost as if Valenza applied a watercolor wash to the entirety of the story, dampening any strength which was displayed in the illustrations by making everyone look anemic, and this especially extenuated against the varied backgrounds, making these pallid people stick out even more. Then add the need to have the Specters paint their faces with an ivory makeup, and it makes them almost look like the skulls which they are trying to imitate. All of the characters should put up their weapons and go outside and get some sun, before they pass out.
Eve is a strong woman who has the strength to survive this world, but with the lack of a palatable cast by which to challenge her, this story is falling flat on its potential. While I recognize the narrative as being laced with familiar themes, there is still an attempt by Tedesco to create something which is original and entertaining. And with the engrossing artwork of Miranda entertaining the audience with his enticing atmosphere, it is a shame that Valenza saps the strength from the land with a poor choice of colors in what could have been an illustrative masterpiece.
Grade: B
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: May 03, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
