Backways #1 Review

Through a glass darkly

Written by: Justin Jordan
Art by: Eleonora Carlini
Colors by: Silvia Tidei
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Reviewer: Andrew McAvoy

Aftershock Comics as a publisher has delivered some wonderful books in recent months, with Fu-Jitsu, Dark Ark and Brilliant Trash combining entertainment value with ambitious storytelling and really fresh art. So I entered into this first issue of Backways with high hopes. Let's see how it was...

Well the good news is that Backways is another strong example of Aftershock's output. The concept behind the book is that of a world that exists just beyond the confines of our existence, described in the book as a hidden nation known as the Backways. This is a nation of magic and madness found on the other side of the mirror or wardrobe.

The central character in this issue is Anna Merrick who has lost her partner Sylvia and is determined to get her back. This book tells of the story of how Anna discovers the Backways in which Anna has been lost. Her guide in this matter is the inimitable Coyote Bones, who introduces her to the magic of the Backways, known as the knack. She may look spooky but Coyote is the Anna's best bet to find Sylvia.

The art in this book is gloriously vibrant. It leans towards an anime style, with its city location rendered through nighttime colors combined with earthtones for the buildings - very classic and urban in its depiction of the city, with a leaning towards blues, green, and purples to emphasize the supernatural elements. It's a delight to look at, and Anna and Coyote are rendered very well in this first issue.

Bits and Pieces

This style seems to place a fresh spin on a Narnia-esque tale with a Lewis Carroll spin. Indeed the concept of going "down the rabbit hole" is even alluded to by one of the characters. Yet again, a strong outing for Aftershock which adds to a growing roster of high quality books.

Score 8 out of 10