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Review: ‘Debris’ #1

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“Green Wake” collaborators, Kurtis J. Wiebe and Riley Rossmo are back with a new emotionally driven miniseries titled, “Debris”. Unlike their previous series, “Debris” tells a story sans that prominent backdrop of an ongoing, noir-style murder mystery, infused with dense mythology and metaphor. This time around, Wiebe and Rossmo grasp the concept of a short, four-issue mini-series, and take on a futuristic world where Collosals rise from stock piles of garbage that cover the planet. The creative team approaches the narrative with an accelerated pace that does not fail in providing its readers with a satisfying first issue. This is a brilliantly executed comic through the addition of Owen Gieni, who was brought on board to colour the series, thus bringing to life Wiebe’s words, and brightening Rossmo’s stylistically lurid and gritty artwork.

WRITTEN BY: Kurtis J. Wiebe
ART BY: Riley Rossmo
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.50

The story opens up in the far future, where the world, a vast desert(ed) land covered in garbage and debris, is seemingly nothing but a post-apocalyptic, dystopian wasteland. The plot follows Calista, the protector of the very last human tribe, located in an isolated village called Maiden, and her disciple Maya, a driven, young warrior. The pair of fighters are responsible for keeping lookout for any potential threats towards their sacred settlement. Wiebe wastes no time before delving into the action by introducing these threats in the first few pages of the comic.

Said to be inspired by “Final Fantasy”-esque monsters, these threats come in the form of machine animals and beasts called “Umbra” and “Colossals”, who run on gears and debris. The latter of the two have but one objective, and that is to wipe off the last remaining humans on the planet, forever. Rossmo’s art is, for the most part, seriously impressive, though noticeably different from his previous works. Particularly regarding the machine animals, he showcases a more refined and defined approach to linework and detail, adding definite splashes of steampunk elements for enthusiasts to enjoy.

First, we meet three Umbra, smaller machine animals, and apparently non-violent spirits, who take their original, pre-apocalyptic shape by using parts from the garbage around them. Maya categorizes them as “Avios”, ostriches made out of junk. With their first appearance, it’s easy to assume that Wiebe and Rossmo are paying homage to the “Cockotrice” in FF4. A monster that resembles a mutated chicken or rooster with choppers and a bad temper… I see it.

With the introduction of a nasty, huge monster Colossal (who’s a dead ringer for “Sand Worm’s” long lost cousin, twice removed, in FF11, by the way), the readers are given a glimpse into Maya’s character, as she bravely engages the monster in battle. This warrior lives for the hunt, and she will not let her people down. She is fierce and driven, and everything you could possible want in a heroine. Not to mention she’s fully clothed, which is a plus. The readers are also given the impression that this dragon-like beast has been harassing the people of Maiden for some time now, as Maya calls it by name, “Jormungand”. The mystery behind what has lured it closer to the Umbra and their village remains unanswered, but unrelenting Colossal attacks and a scarce supply of food and water cause Calista to petition the councillors of Maiden to train more warriors to defend their village.

The introduction of this elders council, which Maya hints at having issues with, as well as the student/mentor relationship between her and Calista, begs an uncreative comparison to be made between this set-up and the Watcher/Slayer relationship between Giles and Buffy, as well as their tumultuous relationship with the Watchers Council. It definitely makes me curious to see what Wiebe has in store for these characters.

After Maya’s performance against Jormungand, Calista believed her disciple to be more than ready to take over as the official protector of Maiden. Now she and the tribe she is sworn to protect, are all that stands against the extinction of humanity. Upon Jormungand’s demise, which destroys the settlement’s water source, it is discovered that the water Jormungand fell into cured the spirit within the machine. So, backed by Calista’s firm belief in something that could merely be a legend, the end of this issue sees Maya off on a journey in order to rid the world of this colossal mess.

There are some challenging moments in this issue that Maya experiences, not only physically, but mentally as well. The emotional impact involved for both Maya and the reader is authentic, and makes this well worth a read. So I implore you; give this series a try, lest it becomes another “Green Wake”.

4/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – ShadowJayd

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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