Advance Review: Awakening #4 & #5

Archaia Studios Press
Writing: Nick Tapalansky
Art: Alex Eckman-Lawn
5/5

There inevitably comes a time for most critics when they look back upon something they’ve written and can’t help but feel they may have overstepped their bounds. That perhaps they jumped the gun or stated things a little too emphatically. For myself – Awakening presents just such a case. (As does using the word 'critic.')

In November I referred to the third issue of this title as the creators', ‘coming out party.’ I claimed they were, ‘pushing the boundaries of what they were doing before.’ I went so far as to assert it as having restored my faith in the medium on a day when my belief was wavering. All this without mentioning the drooling, the late-night phone calls, and the rooting through their garbage bins while they slept.

Now, upon reading issues four and five, I find I wish these descriptions were still available to be used. If they were appropriate then, they’re necessary now.

The creative growth evident in every issue of this book is unavoidably notable. Particularly in the case of Eckman-Lawn’s art which, while impressive from the start, may initially have gotten by on the merits of its unique style while at times tripping over itself and leaving some scenes or actions a bit difficult to follow. It powerfully communicated a mood, but didn’t always achieve its narrative intentions to the same degree. Not so now.

This is no glorified art project with a plot tacked on for good measure. This is sequential storytelling. Body language, expression, and the conveyance of feelings beyond the style of the art are suddenly at the forefront of what E.L. is doing here. And at the right time too. The story is done setting itself up. The principle conflicts and characters are in place and the weight of the tale is now falling to their various personalities and emotional struggles. The intriguing circumstances that serve as the context for all this, that have carried the story up until this point, are no longer the driving force of the action. The increased effectiveness of the art makes this possible.

Of course this would all matter far less if not for Tapalansky’s skillful handling of the plot – particularly in regards to dialogue. Rarely do smaller publisher titles achieve this level of smooth professionalism. The sudden emphasis of religious tones adds to the depth and uncomfortable feeling permeating the work, proving itself true to its creators' claims that this is more than a typical zombie romp. Mentioning ‘zombies’ at all may in fact do the book a disservice. This is a tale of monsters and unquestionable evil, but the nature of these elements is far less cut-and-dry than the genre usually champions, and still has much to be revealed. The attacks of the ‘Awakened’ seem only a bi-product of a far more sinister source yet to be seen.

The fifth issue in particular ‘pushes the boundaries’ of the title as the revelations in a flashback sequence do much more than add artificial depth to the characters, which is all that many of these types of sequences typically achieve. Many facets of the story are left standing in an entirely different light following these developments.

Awakening is the type of storytelling achievement you often find yourself reading in trade format a year after-the-fact, wondering why the hell you didn’t hear more about it at the time of its publishing. The type of book that goes on to achieve eventual cult status and terrible film adaptations that wholly miss the point. Tapalansky and Eckman-Lawn increasingly prove themselves with each successive release. These men deserve a future in this industry, though perhaps it can be said even more-so that the industry deserves a future with them.

Both these issues are scheduled to hit stands April 16th.

The hardcover (pictured) will be released in June and can be ordered with with Previews code APR08 3552. Archaia produce some of the most beautiful HCs on the market and even those who've followed the series owe it to themselves to pick up a copy!