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SCION #17
Recommended (7/10)
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CrossGen Comics
Writer: Ron Marz
Pencils: Andrea Di Vito
Inks: Rob Hunter
Colors: Jason Lambert
Letters: Troy Peteri & Dave Lanphear
Price: $2.95 US/$4.50 CAN |
Marz offers up a somewhat cliched but nevertheless emotionally palpable story that marks a major shift in the title's direction, which lies in the mind of the lead protagonist. It would have made for a stronger issue had the art been handled by regular penciller Jim Cheung, as opposed to a competent but ordinary fill-in job by Andrea Di Vito.
Exeter and Ashleigh lead Ethan to a seemingly abandoned castle, but in reality, it serves as a laboratory for the creation of the lesser races. More important, though, is that a scientist named Tyrrus -- the same one that created Exeter and put him through unimaginable pain -- is continuing to experiment, creating tortured souls and savage monsters.
Di Vito offers some clear and action-packed art, but his own personal style hasn't completely taken shape. A lot of his work here reminded me a great deal of the art of Tom Grummett, and I saw hints of a Jim Lee influence in there as well. The double spread on pages 18 and 19 would also seem to indicate Di Vito is taking some pointers form fellow CrossGen artist and comics legend George Perez. Hunter's inks bring some solid detail to the visuals, and the colors -- which have always been a strength for CrossGen as a company -- capture the eerie mood Marz is aiming for.
I've seen this story before, and while it certainly doesn't seem fresh here, I found I enjoyed it nevertheless. Scion has been a primarily a sword-and-sorcery book, but sci-fi has lurked on the periphery. Here, it takes center-stage, and the jarring shift to Dr. Frankenstein mode made for an entertaining uneasiness.
In the end, what makes this story work for me are the characters. Marz has developed in the reader a vested interest in Ethan, Ashleigh and even Exeter. I find that after almost a year and a half of following them, I care about what happens to them. I can't relate to their circumstances, but somehow, I can relate to them, and that makes for a worthwhile read.
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