Comics
Review: ‘Higher Earth’ #5
Higher Earth is an intriguing recent series from Boom! Studios that seems to be flying a bit under the radar. It revolves around the existence of multiple Earths, and how certain Earths parasitically devour others to cultivate wealth for themselves. People from each Earth have counterparts on other Earths as well, although the conditions of these Earths and the beliefs of these people tend to vary to some degree. At the top of this hierarchy is Highest Earth – the 1% of the multiverse, if you will – which is run by an enigmatic Queen who has some connection to our two main protagonists, one of whom is implied to be another alternate universe version of her. However, issue #5 functions as an expository backstory to the young Queen’s beginnings, and the start of her dominance of the multiverse.
WRITTEN BY: Sam Humphries
ART BY: Joe Eisma
PUBLISHER: Boom! Studios
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: Sept. 26th, 2012
While its fairly high-concept, “Higher Earth” has thus far been laid out simply from a story-telling perspective allowing easy access for new readers. Only a few characters have been introduced so far, and most of them are alternate versions of each other. This simplicity is one of the greatest strengths of the series. as it does not get bogged down with details. While this doesn’t lead to many wow-moments, Sam Humphries’ plots is engaging and establishes enough suspense to keep the action moving. Such is the case in this issue, as we see just how the Queen came to be.
Born a young child on a war-torn Earth, she becomes the first human to enter another parallel Earth. Her experiences hone a desire to explore the multiverse, as well as a ruthless survival instinct in her. A meeting with an alternate universe self then leads to a path she could have never imagined, but takes to with ruthless efficiency. A simple story, which doesn’t take many chances – except for the meeting between the two “Queens” – but it explores the development of the Queen’s character, and it provides an explanation for how the setting of the series came to be.
Joe Eisma takes over from Francesco Biagini on this issue. While his work is serviceable, it doesn’t quite meet the standard Biagini set in previous issues. Eisma’s work isn’t bad, but it’s far from remarkable. His characters are solid, but his environments are generally bland.
“Higher Earth” #5 doesn’t take many risks but there are moments hinting at the serious potential for the series. Issue #5 is another solid entry in this young series and it keeps the soft sci-fi epic trotting forward.
3.5/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – George Shunick
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
You must be logged in to post a comment.