Brian K. Vaughan, the brains behind Y: The Last Man, has done it again. Mind you, those expecting the same sort of complex, sociological narrative as one gets from his Vertigo series will be surprised... surprised, but I doubt disappointment will factor into the equation. Just as Sean McKeever did in the first issue of Sentinel, Vaughan captures a strong teen drama riff with engaging personalities... though the premise is radically different and more than a little darker. Though no recognizable Marvel Universe elements turn up here, Marvel readers who take a chance on this book will be hooked from the get-go. Don't miss out on the latest Vaughan sleeper hit.
Alex Wilder's a relatively normal kid. He enjoys playing online video games, and his parents are always giving him grief. Alex's latest headache is acting as host for a number of other teenagers while everyone's wealthy parents are off discussing joint charitable contributions, an annual ritual at the Wilder household. The kids get curious about the grown-ups' behind-closed-doors deliberations, though, and when they start to snoop around, they discover a secret that will change their lives... for the worse.
Marvel's Tsunami line is something of a manga-inspired imprint, it would seem, and that Japanese influence can be found in Alphona's artwork. But it's a subtle one, not the traditional, big-eyed, speed-line manga look one usually expects to find. I'm not familiar with Alphona's work, but I love what I see here. He reinforces the reality of these teens lives. He captures their youth quite well, and though we're not reading about colorful, costumed characters, the designs are striking and exude personality. My favorite moment in the artwork is the revelation of Nico. Alphona conveys so much information about her character in that one panel. She's easy-going but sharp, beautiful but unassuming. Alphona also uses a wide variety of perspectives in his work that bring a dynamic look to book that's pretty much dialogue-driven.
For the most part, this issue boasts a light script and only takes a grave turn by the end of the issue. Somehow, though, Vaughan manages to maintain a slight tension in the story throughout this introductory issue. He does so through the mystery of the adults' business dealings, and through the dysfunction in the Stein household. Of course, Reber's darker, almost depressed color palette reinforces that mood as well.
The book's greatest strength are the characters. The reader gets to know the six teens to whom the title refers incredibly quickly. Vaughan provides a diverse array of teens, and though they discover a shared bond by the end of the issue, it's their differences that really captures the audience's attention. Intellect meets innocence. The usual meets the unconventional. The characters' personality complement one another just as they clash. I can't to learn more about them and see their relationships develop.
