28 Days Later #1
Reviewed by David O' Leary
28 DAYS LATER #1
Cover Date: July 2009
Story by: Michael Alan Nelson
Art by: Declan Shalvey
Colours by: Nick Filardi
Letters by: Ed Dukeshire
Cover by: Sean Phillips
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99
Reviewed By: David O' Leary
Book Summery: 28 DAYS LATER comes to comics as an ongoing series, connecting the film 28 DAYS LATER to its sequel 28 WEEKS LATER! Focusing on Selena, one of the three survivors of the first film, as she embarks on an epic journey of her return to Great Britain! Scripted by HEXED and FALL OF CTHULHU's Michael Alan Nelson and drawn by newcomer sensation Declan Shalvey.
I'm aware of the hype that a comic can have when it is about to launch. The marketing drive that goes into place when a book looks like it will be a winner. That is something that happens in America all the time. So imagine something similar happening in rural Ireland when a local guy come good lands his first American gig and the hype machine kicks off. I and many of my mates have been looking forward to this book for months. Artist Declan Shalvey is a guy I went to school with, grew up in the same town with and followed his career from when he moved to the UK to his return to Ireland and his launch in the States. And BOOM! have gotten in on the act by describing him as ';red hot'. Well, does the hype match the finished article?
The story is written by BOOM! mainstay Michel Alan Nelson and this title links the end of the first film and the start of the second. The main protagonist is the survivor of the first film, Selena. And what is immediately apparent is how much emotional baggage she carries over as she spends a lot of time looking within herself but she is not written as an emotional cripple as the strength she had from the film is carried over to the book. She reluctantly agrees to accompany a reporter back to London to see first hand if there is any truth to the rumours of a NATO led forces attempt to repatriate the stricken nation. To do so requires a border crossing in Scotland. An air force intervention forces a landing on the Shetlands and it quickly becomes apparent that the virus has spread to the populace of the islands. Nelson's pacing is immaculate here and the story structured quite like the film and as a result and like the film, you are genuinely surprised at the moments like the infected reveal because you aren't expecting them at the time. This is a superb first issue and if it is any indication of what is to come then bring it on. I'm sure Danny Boyle would approve of this.
This is Dec's American bow. He has been interviewed for CR about his work before but his work has been difficult to get hold of over there. Over here though, he is something of star. Widely regarded, as one of the fastest rising artists of the Isles and what we get here is something of a novelty, his work in colour. Only two of his works have been coloured prior to this but Nick Filardi does a great job with this. The flat colouring works wonderfully and compliments the tight thoughtful pencils that are brought to the table. I have mentioned before how great it is for a reader to benefit from a tight writer and artist team. Both Shalvey and Nelson seem to work well together and as with the writing the art is a winner.
This book goes on sale on the 26th of August and the wait has been very much worth it. This appears on the face of it another great title from BOOM! the company who can do no wrong. Also look for a chat with Declan on this issue to appear on CR soon.
Rating the Issue
| Story Story: Overall 9 Concept - 9 out of 10 Plot - 9 out of 10 Dialogue - 9 out of 10 |
Art Art: Overall 9 Style - 9 out of 10 Storytelling - 9 out of 10 Colour/Tones - 9 out of 10 |
Importance Importance: Overall 9 To the Title - 9 out of 10 To the Company - 9 out of 10 To the Medium - 9 out of 10 |
Reviewer Bio
Name: David O' Leary
email: idwfan@yahoo.co.uk
Been reading comics: for about 12 years now.
Review Bio: I am a 26-year-old Hotel Manager from the west coast of the Republic of Ireland and think this is a great way to talk to others about this cool medium. I am a husband to one wife and father to one girl (so far).
Favorites: ONI's Whiteout, Vertigo's Scalped and Garth Ennis Preacher and Punisher in Trades. In comic form I am reading a lot of Marvel and a bit of IDW, Dark Horse & WildStorm among others.
Website: Sorry, I don't have one!
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