Rob Lake reviews Snow Angels #1...
The trench has three rules:
1. The Trench Provides.
2. You must never leave the Trench.
3. The Trench never ends.
Snow Angels is a 10-part series that's created by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Jock. Snow Angels also marks the first time these two bestselling creators have collaborated together.
To coincide with the launch of Snow Angels, Amazon Original Stories will also be publishing a short story also titled 'Snow Angels'. This short story which is also written by Jeff Lemire will act as an introduction to the world that will be expanded upon within the comic. This can also be read as a standalone teen-fiction novella that's full of Lemire's signature characterisation and vivid world-building.
It's a bleak opening for Jeff Lemire and Jock's new series. Set within a vast frozen wasteland, Snow Angels follows the trio of Pa, Mae Mae and Milliken, who also happens to be this issues narrator. We follow the family as Pa takes the girls out hunting in the omnipresent Trench. We don't get what the Trench is but it's heavily hinted that the world outside is a lot worse. Whatever has gone on within this world, its pretty bad. Milliken narrates early on that she's 12-years old and the three rules have been drummed into her daily routine.
There's a lot of character building too as Lemire dives straight into the family dynamic. It's established from the get-go that both Mae Mae and Milliken have a strong sibling rivalry. There's plenty of "banter" between the two as they trade barbs over a mysterious Snowman who watches the Trench and fight over the Father's attention.
There's also a touch of world building as Pa tells the sisters about the mysterious Colden Ones. These creatures aren't specifically shown, but from the glimpses of their technology, they're more advanced than the Humans who call the Trench home. Lemire dives into the Colden Ones mystery more as Pa gives Milliken a piece of technology which is implied to be a map of some sorts. I'm going to go out and say now that this map is probably going to end up being Snow Angels mcguffin. Whilst Pa doesn't know what it is specifically he does mention theskies clearing and seeing the same symbols in the sky...coincidence?
The questions are already there and it's up to Jeff Lemire and Jock to build on them. Which I have no doubt they will.
Speaking of Jock. The art within this opening is fantastic and is a testament of the veteran artists talents. Each page is awash with tones of blue, which really break up the white, and establishes this frozen wastelands identity. When the action "heats" up, Jock switches to vibrant reds and some really intense facial close-ups which does wonders in building the tension.
Snow Angels #1 is a great opening act. It's got just enough world and character building to establish what's going on and to capture the readers interest. Lemire's writing flows effortlessly throughout and when coupled with Jock's art really kicks Snow Angels off to a cracking start.
Rating 9/10
Snow Angels is available now exclusively via Comixology Originals
Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev
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