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[Comic Review] “Injection” #1 Is A Story Of Failure And Control

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If you read the solicits for you’ll have seen “Injection” #1 described as sci/fi-horror-crime-techno thriller about 5 people that poisoned the world and now have to deal with the consequences.  This first issue does not hint at any of that.  Instead, there is nothing but unintelligible, indigestible dialogue about locations and organizations with no context whatsoever.  And yet, despite not having a single clue about what anyone is talking about, I found the characters to be instantly relatable, likeable, and emotionally substantial.  “Injection” #1 puts the art foot first and asks you to trust the story will come together later.  I would encourage you to jump in with both feet, this is going to be something pretty remarkable.

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WRITTEN BY: Warren Ellis
ART BY: Declan Shalvey
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: May 13, 2015

The story begins with a woman in some kind of hospital, Maria Killbride.  She is talking to Control, the woman who manages Cursus, an office inside FPI.  Control has an actionable, she is talking about exploitable resources, non-state actors, the awkward squad, active finds, and the Cultural Cross-Contamination Unit.  I don’t know what any of this means and trying to figure any of it out with only frustrate you.  I do know that this is a power struggle.  Maria is tired, annoyed by Control, and feeling helpless, I can see it in her eyes.  Control wants something from

Maria is tired, annoyed by Control, and feeling helpless, I can see it in her eyes.  Control wants something from her and is using threats, intimidation, and manipulation to get it.  It is remarkable that despite not being able to follow the conversation I’m instantly drawn into the dynamic.  It is a testament to the work of Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire that the art is driving completely by itself right now.  The lighting, camera, and character work tell the story that you ought to be hearing right now.

We are then thrown back pre-injection to the Cultural Cross-Contamination unit and the 5 people noted in the press release.  Again, what transpires is unclear, and nothing else that happens in the rest of the issue is anything you’ll understand.  But you’ll have a pretty clear picture of who three characters are, Maria, Robin, and Brigid, as emotional beings.  Especially Robin, who is approached during a soul searching walk and similarly threatened.  Robin is a broken man, but within him is great potential.

“Injection” #1 is essential storytelling: focused more on the “who” than the “what” and demonstrates what really matters to an audience; identifying with the characters.  You may be turned off by all the confusion, but this issue taps into something deep and concentrated like a cave painting depicting the origin of man.  Look past what you can’t see an focus on what you can, and you’ll find “Injection” #1 makes perfect sense.  It is a story of failure, of control, of best intentions gone awry.  I encourage you not to reject something because you can’t fully understand it.  The answers aren’t going to all come spilling out, but there is enough foundation here to settle on that I’m prepared to let Ellis, Shalvey, and Bellaire take me away.

It is a story of failure, of control, of best intentions gone awry.  I encourage you not to reject something because you can’t fully understand it. The answers aren’t going to all come spilling out, but there is enough foundation here to settle on that I’m prepared to let Ellis, Shalvey, and Bellaire take me away.

 

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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