From a scientific standpoint, color is the spectrum of light within the visible range that an object reflects. But from an aesthetic point of view, colors are what make a visual appeal to the observer, evoking all different types of emotions. In the expanse of the cosmos, there is a world where humanity has outlawed colors to hide from monsters. From Skybound Entertainment, in association with Image Comics, comes a strange miniseries written and illustrated by creator Lorenzo De Felici, taking the reader into the war for color in the monster-infested Kroma #1.
There was a time when humanity lived in harmony with nature as the King of Colors sat atop a mountain and rained colors upon the world. But one day, a greedy human tried to invent a new color which angered the King. To shield themselves from the monarch’s monsters, humans walled themselves inside the Pale City, where there is only black and white, and all other colors are banned. This is the tale that the leader, Makavi, has taught the Pale City’s younglings, known as the Makka. Zet is an orphan child and leader of the Makka, who one day makes the mistake of looking at a monster’s eyes. But what he sees changes his life forever.
Kroma #1 opens with ominous imagery, slowly unraveling its many layers and mysteries through Zet’s eyes. With no narration, the dialogue and artwork provide all of the exposition. The twist comes early in the tale and possesses the young protagonist. Zet challenges every notion Makavi has taught him so far, confronting them head-on. Zet wades into unpredictable waters as curiosity leads him into dangerous situations. A time comes when Zet finds his bearings and steels his mind to find the truth, no matter the cost, but a sudden storm changes everything.
Kroma #1 benefits from the fact that it is being made by a single creator. De Felici’s writing and art work together to build a singular vision. A great degree of the book remains covered in hues of whites and blacks. So much so that the audience starts to appreciate the varying tones of grey simulating artificial and natural lighting. So when color does appear, it’s particularly jarring. The reader is as mesmerized and disturbed by it as Zet is. From the blue sky and the green of the trees to the scarlet of blood, the colors bring depth to a world full of beautiful monsters.
Like black and white, truth and fiction are absolutes in Kroma #1. But just a little color turns the situation on its head. Whether the issue imitates reality, has an inherent lesson attached, or is just the author’s flight of fancy, is up for debate. The book shines in its pensive moments when the night sky turns everything black. Zet finds a new purpose — to know more about the person that others deem a “monster.” In this voyage to teach this supposed monster, Zet himself learns a lot about himself, his world, and the truth, which becomes his ultimate misstep.
