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Review: ‘LOW’ #1

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“Low” # 1 is a blueprint for an astonishing series. A flowing sci-fi fantasy future is promised in its pages and I’d encourage everyone to dive in.

Low_01-1

WRITTEN BY: Rick Remender

ART BY: Greg Tocchini

PUBLISHER: Image

PRICE: $3.50

RELEASE: July 30, 2014

Reviewed by Nick Brehmer

The story begins with a passionate juxtaposition of two worlds, realism and optimism. The two lovers, Stel Caine, the faithful dreamer, and Johl, her strong practical husband, welcome the day when they bring their two daughters out beyond the safety of their underwater city, Salus. We learn through the soft bedside exchange that there are three underwater cities, one of which is thought to be a myth, but still a possibility.

While the search for these cities goes on, Stel turns her daydreaming eyes upwards, towards the surface and even the stars. A new planet – one not being engulfed by a dying sun’s radiation, the reason for their submersion – may be their best hope. Their daughters, meanwhile, are taking up the family mantle of ship helmswomen and huntresses, as they are the last of the Caines. An epic and heartfelt mythology is hinted at in these first few pages that I’m hoping is further expanded on in the upcoming issues. I’m sure it will be.

There are a lot of similar science fiction tropes to Frank Herbert’s Dune work, such as warring factions amidst significant elemental harshness as well as the elevation of the feminine, family history, and family bloodlines. Jodorovsky would be pleased. Given the aquatic setting, Remender makes sure to include the most natural of oceanic villains, pirates. The aptly named Scurvy Horde is the opposing force to the grace and beauty of Salus’s civilization. They are a harsh, cruel, and vindictive crew, twisted and deformed by the denial of necessary technology to thrive under the sea. The ending pages of “Low” #1 see Stel’s optimism tested but not broken as her family is torn apart by the horde’s hatred of the hunters.

The first issue contains a significant amount of exposition and dialogue but it’s Tocchini’s artwork that really stuns you. You can see his homage to the fantasy forefathers such as Frank Franzetta in the character designs and the colouring pulls you down into the depths of “Low.” I found myself returning to specific panels frequently to ensure I didn’t miss anything but also because they’re so goddam beautiful. You can get lost in this one, trust me. Willfully lost.

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‘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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