Review - Livewire #1 (@ValiantComics)

"All these efforts to find ways to better the world."

Livewire is a character determined to make the world better (as mentioned by the above quote). Sometimes her decisions have unintended consequences and in Livewire #1 from Valiant Comics she has to deal with those consequences. The issue is written by Vita Ayala, illustrated by Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín and lettered by Saida Temofonte.

Accomplice. Mentor. Savior. And now, Enemy of the State. Seeking to protect other vulnerable super-powered psiots like herself, Livewire plunged the United States into a nationwide blackout with her technopathic abilities, causing untold devastation. After choosing the few over the many, she must now outrun the government she served – and those she once called allies. With the whole world hunting her, what kind of hero will Livewire be…or will she be one at all?

Livewire is forced to contend with the fallout from her attempt to save Psiot kids and that's what Ayala uses as the underpinning for the issue (and presumably series). Ayala seems to understand that drive is what makes Livewire tick and it's very effective at setting her up as a somewhat sympathetic character. There's also a lot of room for Ayala to play with Livewire attempting to make things right while also being branded a fugitive because of her previous actions--all of which goes into making her a strong character overall. Ayala focuses the bulk of the issue on getting the reader reacquainted with Livewire in her current predicament knowing that things will continue to be difficult for her as she attempts to atone and make things right. The issue ends with enough of a cliffhanger as well that Ayala has a clear directions he can take the characters and the story.

The artistic duo of Allén and Martín have a good grasp on things, using relatively simple linework that doesn't feel too rigid in its presentation. Livewire's cohorts are angry at her for past decisions and the artists do an effective job of capturing that anger in their expressive faces. Many of the pages are stacked with panels, but their arranged very cleanly in grids so as not to be too overwhelming to the reader. The backgrounds are sparsely rendered, allowing the characters to stand out more. The coloring is fairly minimal throughout the book; the characters are given pops here and there, but most pages are typically restricted to one primary hue.

Livewire #1 is a good introductory issue in that it gets into the story while also welcoming new readers. Livewire is dealing with the fallout of her decisions and must bear the weight of the consequences. Ayala's script is evenly paced with engaging dialogue. The art by Allén and Martín is good at capturing the essence of the characters and making them easily recognizable. Livewire #1 is a solid first issue that hits the ground running.

Livewire #1 is available now.