Scout Comics presents We Wicked Ones #1, an original new fantasy series set in an alternate version of the United States where outlawed witchcraft simmers below the surface of normal life. Written by LJ Duey, with art by Paulo Mel, colors by Ander Zárate and lettering by Crank!, We Wicked Ones delves into a world of moral ambiguity, generational trauma and a tooth-and-nail battle for survival. We Wicked Ones #1 follows the exploits of Celia, a sorceress who uses her magical abilities to work as a contract killer-for-hire, when a new case threatens to unravel her carefully constructed professional life.
Opening in media res, We Wicked Ones #1 pulls no punches with a tense confrontation between the protagonist and a powerful client: a U.S. Senator. Cutting back in time by a week the narrative re-traces Celia’s steps until this moment, carrying out hit jobs and accepting a new lucrative patron, with an exceptionally high-profile victim. Allowing herself a rare digression into having a personal life, Celia visits her best friend Lily and her fledgling family, before carrying out her latest assignment. Although it’s a job like any other, Celia feels it’s weight, and all the ramifications that might follow.
The writing of We Wicked Ones #1 is extremely well done. Duey’s strong pacing allows the manifold aspects of the comic to work in tandem and weave a dense narrative that simultaneously expounds the world building and furthers the plot. There is an abundance of well-developed lore in this first issue alone. Everything from meticulous potion-making to the suppressing of magic in America. This attention to detail gives We Wicked Ones #1 a real sense of depth, making this brand-new fantasy world feel lived in. Duey also has a great understanding of conveying tone through narration, constructing their characters predominantly through subtext. Celia is a particularly arresting character as a result of this, built through the contrast between her introspection and the face she presents to the world.
Mel’s illustrations are gorgeous throughout We Wicked Ones #1, laden with fine details, novel textures and well-considered character design. On a purely aesthetic level the comic is great to look at, not overly stylized but still possessing its own unique flair, with heavy decisive lines and intricate shading. Mel’s understanding of texture is also very impressive, particularly shining in their densely populated backgrounds. The panel design is also terrific, slipping into short rapid-fire sections that ratchet up tension and track the action with incredible fluidity, as well as languorous full-page panels that let the art and colors flaunt their vivacity.
The color work in We Wicked Ones #1 are exceptional across the board, Zárate elevating the art and tone of the comic exponentially through his mastery of light and intensity. The coloring style is distinctly experimental in places, bleeding through lines to create a stunning, blooming effect that heightens the supernatural qualities of the story. The colors themselves also take on a preternatural quality, almost luminescent at points, often taking non-naturalistic hues that charge a scene’s atmosphere. Zárate also does wonderful work capturing the contrast between light and darkness, adding depth and dimension to every panel, imbuing them with effervescence or menace in equal measure.
The lettering by Crank! is crisp and clear throughout We Wicked Ones #1, providing the dialogue great rhythm and cadence through his use of italicization and emboldening. The typescript used for the setting cards is also excellently dramatic, and suits the tone of the comic perfectly.
Presenting a near-flawless first foray into a new and original fantasy world, We Wicked Ones #1 is a fantastic debut that trades on lore, characterization and visual bombast with equal merit. Overladen in the most praiseworthy way possible, We Wicked Ones #1 is teeming with potential, jamming itself full of information, characters and magical concepts that make the world feel ripe for exploration. As the plot wends itself back around to its opening point, the narrative going forward will have to be extremely strong to support the initial promise of this issue. If successful, We Wicked Ones could prove to be one of the most dynamic and exciting fantasy comics in years.
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