(Courtesy of Image Comics)
A well-plotted thriller with eye-catching illustrations, Barrier #1 (Image Comics) definitely makes sure every page is hotblooded and hypnotic. After making its debut on PanelSyndicate.com, the popular webcomic by Brian K. Vaughn, Muntsa Vicente, and Marcos Martin will be published in a limited print run; so make you grab your copy right away!
Barrier is an unconventional drama about violence, language, and illegal immigration…with a shocking sci-fi twist. In the opening pages, the violence starts when Liddy discovers a decapitated head in the desert. On the other side of the world, Oscar attempts to cross the border as he travels from Honduras.
5) It’s Brian K. Vaughan!
If you thought THE PRIVATE EYE was eerily prescient maybe it’s time to check out BARRIER.#immigration #DonaldJTrump #Honduras https://t.co/VW5FKRqc1a
— Panel Syndicate (@PanelSyndicate) April 3, 2018
Because of Y: The Last Man and Runaways, Brian K. Vaughan is my favorite writer of all time! It’s amazing to see Vaughan tackle on racism and propaganda through his well-developed characters. Instead of jumping back and forth in time, readers are jumping between locations and languages.
4) The Social Commentary!
Vaughan looks at what America means to others and examines the themes from the outsider’s perspective. Interestingly, Vaughan tells half of the narrative in Spanish, because this represents Oscar’s world. Notice how Liddy and Oscar are lonely souls as they do exact the same thing in parallel panels.
3) The Experimental Artwork!
Each installment will be printed in its original “landscape” format. This means each issue will be side-stapled for convenient viewing. This means your eyes will be looking at wide shots in Vicente/Marin’s artwork.
2)The Colors!
The vivid palate makes great use of its western landscape. During Oscar’s travels, notice how the light source comes from the weather. The page is washed in gray tones from the lightning and rain.
1) A Gripping Read!
BARRIER #2—this small-town crime story becomes an interstellar adventure! #NewComicsDay preview: https://t.co/Z4XqhoV7ec pic.twitter.com/uXGv379J1P
— Image Comics (@ImageComics) May 8, 2018
A complex and satisfying read, Barrier #1 is thought-provoking enough to challenge the reader’s mind. I can’t wait to read the second issue!
Rating:
Four out of four emojis
Barrier #1 arrives in stores on May 9th, 2018.