Review - The Field #1

Review by Paul Fiander
The Field is a new run for Image Comics in the seemingly endless release of fresh new content. There have been quite a few hits with Rat Queens, Sex Criminals and the like. They are however genre titles that on occasions lack a global draw, instead they each appeal to the niche yet somewhat formidable reader base. Thankfully very few have felt the same and in this light we find the Field.

When first looking at this book I immediately thought of the Walking Dead game from Telltale. The character models just reminded me of the ones found in the point and click adventure. This is no bad thing as the slightly exaggerated realism of the characters makes for really expressive facial characteristics in the main characters. The tone of the art is mixed depending on the environment but the move from dark to light is very organic and is perfectly suited in each case. Oddly one of the best scenes in the issue revolves around the consumption of Class A drugs. The matter of fact way the whole scene is presented seems to show the solicitations for this book were spot on.

The story itself is not a sure fire hit instead it relies on the notion of the inquisitive reader. I like the fact that writer Ed Brisson doesn’t feel the need to spoon all the information in the first issue. For instance we know nothing of the main character as he has no idea himself thanks to a spot of Anemia (I know it’s not the right word, but if you read the issue you will spot the reference). It’s a well used conceit and we do get some flashbacks during the playing out of the story again these are enough to whet the appetite without giving the plot away. The main question I think that most will be asking before they read is why the Field?

It’s not an answer I can really give at the moment, even though the cover is filled with Field imagery along with the three main parties of the story, there is no real reason for the name to be The Field. Again this lack of spoon feeding is great to some but a nuisance to others.

Overall I’m intrigued by The Field it feels like it has something to say, but what that is still wrapped up in a haze of forgotten memories. For the opening of a four issue miniseries it’s strong but not in a blow your socks off sort of way. If the rest of the series can reap the seeds that have been sewn by issue 1 then this could be another Image hit.

Issue Rating; 4/5
The Comic is available in both print and digital from Image comics. Follow this link for more details.

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Images courtesy of Image Comics
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