Reviewed By Jorge Solis. A mix of sci-fi and a trippy acid dream, “The Empty” #1 is visually stunning with its artistic choices, but raises a lot of questions. The first installment lays down essence of the plot, but lacks character development. Too weird for its own good, “The Empty” #1 is definitely eye-appealing, but leaves readers wanting more from its main protagonists.
WRITTEN BY: Jimmie Robinson
ART BY: Jimmie Robinson
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: Feb 11th, 2015
In a post-apocalyptic world, Tanoor tries to survive in her hostile environment against the scorching sun and the hungry mutant beasts. Living in a barren wasteland, the last remains of humanity are struggling to find a new source of water and food. A stranger, who comes from “The Green,” suddenly drops into town. Tanoor has to ask herself if this creature is an angel sent to help them, or the devil come to finish them off.
I like how writer/artist Jimmie Robinson took the time to build his fantastical world. You understand why Tanoor has become hardened because of her harsh surroundings. Robinson then lays out the religious themes when Lila shows up and is quite eloquent when he has something to say. Because of their lack of chemistry though, I’m left wanting more from Lila and Tanoor as they wander off together onto their road trip.
In his art duties, Robinson has mapped out specific locations, from the desert landscape to the Green. In her character design, Tanoor looks like a mummy with the torn bandages around her body. The secondary characters all look strange with their bug eyes and exaggerated necklines. Robinson does a great job taking readers to another world, but everyone is so odd-looking.
“The Empty” #1 is off to a descent start. Hopefully, the protagonists will be fleshed out in the next installment.