Para has a great high concept: A massive supercollider project goes wrong, killing numerous personnel, and years later, two of the survivors are part of a team exploring the mysterious ruin to find out what happened. From there, you can go in many directions, and the direction that Moore has taken it in so far is a sort of technological ghost story, with a strong core narrative revolving around how the accident affected one of the survivor's life in a very deep way, and how this exploration will help her sort out that part of her life. Moore wisely grounds his big science/horror concept in very interesting and believable characters, and while Para #1 just barely hints at what the series is going to be about, there's a strong foundation being laid down for the rest of the series.
Moore's storytelling is similar to that found in the Ultimate books, which is to say that he puts a lot of effort into developing the characters rather than relying on a plot-heavy narrative. Para has a strong central plot about the dangers of scientific exploration, but rather than starting off with a big explosive sequence showing the destruction of the supercollider, Moore focuses his energies on showing us how it affects the lives of our main characters. The relationship between Bill and Sara Erie, a crucial part of the modern day story, is established very well in the opening pages, and likewise, the relationship between Sara and Dr. Andersen is established quickly as well.
If I have any complaint about Sara, it seems that she's awfully mature for her age in those flashbacks, but given her bent for science and an intellect that one of the characters notes later on, I can easily believe that this precociousness is intentional. At any rate, Sara is the fulcrum upon which this story turns, haunted by bizarre dreams and driven to find out what happened to her father, and she's a solid enough character that she very much works in this role. I'm also quite taken with the friendly, not-quite-father-figure relationship that Sara and Dr. Andersen have, which picks up in a very cute scene when the two reunite after fifteen years. And though some of the other characters, like Agent Sanchez or Roger, aren't introduced with as much depth, they're still vividly realized enough for us to guess at their roles early on. Moore develops a strong ensemble cast with which to explore his intriguing premise.
As with many of Penny-Farthing's books, Para looks gorgeous. Villalobos's characters are realistic, but they have a dynamic touch to them that reminds me of a less cartoony J. Scott Campbell, and certainly part of the credit for the well-developed cast belongs with Villalobos for his work in designing these characters. More impressive, however, is his depiction of the supercollider, both before and after the accident. The double page spread when the characters first happen upon the mysterious word "Para" is gorgeous, an intricate latticework of bulky pipes and sleeker high-tech components. The spooky mystery of the supercollider is going to be an important element of this story, and Villalobos and company serve notice in this first issue that they're up to the task of making it seem big and foreboding.
Para is off to a great start, with terrific characters and strong dialogue building atop a plot that is full of potential. Fans of Warren Ellis, especially his science-fiction stories like Mek and Atmospherics, should definitely check out Para, as should anyone with an appreciation for high concept science-fiction with strong characters.
