Review - Trees #1

Review by Paul Fiander
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From the title you would hardly guess at the story you are about to dive into. The cover does give you more of a clue as Jason Howard creates a cityscape that feels quite normal barring the enormous trunk slammed right in the middle. However it is the root system that really is the telling part of this new series, it depicts a death mask.

The story begins with the phrase “Ten years after” and from there we get a glimpse into the world as it is. There is a brief history lesson but it is intertwined with an escape from a collection of Drones, Robots and Police (see more in the preview images below). The action here is very fast and gruesome as Howard lets the motion flow from panel to panel. This book though is a mix between action and dialogue and as the issue continues the action slows and the characters begin to take over.

Unlike a lot of stories looking at a post invasion world we do a spot of globetrotting from Rio to New York, China to North West Spitsbergen each area has a central character to focus on as we learn about the new Status Quo. Due to this the initial investment may not be there for the reader as most of us like to focus on a central figure. This story however feels like a slow burn type of read as the writer Warren Ellis wants us to understand where we are. This is a device that can be hit or miss but thanks to the premise of the story and calibre of the creators I think they will get over this small hurdle.

The most intriguing location on offer in this issue appears to be the Special Cultural zone of the City of Shu, from the outside conversation you expect to see a wasteland instead there appears to be a rather thriving city full of colour. You do get the feeling though this is just a shiny veneer and I cannot wait to see what deeper exploration uncovers.

Trees is a good first issue though many may not find enough meat in the story to really grab hold of. I do not think this is a one issue hook though, the background for the story is there we may just have to wait a few issues for the main substance to be revealed. I will be keeping an eye on this series and report back next issue to see if it is an Image series worth picking up.

Issue Rating 4/5

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