Review - Faithless #1 (@boomstudios)

"Well, if that's not an omen I don't know what is."

Modern relationships have been made easier by social media, but there's also something of a detachment that comes as a result of those tools. Faithless #1 from BOOM! Studios looks at a modern relationship with an old-world mentality of sorts. The issue is written by Brian Azzarello, illustrated by Maria Llovet and lettered by AndWorld Design.

Faith likes to dabble with magic. Her friends think it's cute-and not just a little off-putting, but it's part of her charm and her warped search for purpose in a world that makes too much sense. But she's a true believer and knows there is a power within her reach. She's right, of course. It just took a while for that magic, that temptation, that unknowable thing to find her...In short- Faith is bored as hell. And Hell has noticed.

As a main protagonist, Faith is perfectly capable of carrying the themes that Azzarello hsa incorporated into the book. The biggest theme is a search for oneself and the way Azzarello follows along a typical (atypical?) day in Faith's life is very nuanced and rife with intrigue. Azzarello accomplishes this through the use of rapid-fire dialogue throughout the issue that keeps the reader on their toes and slightly on-edge, seemingly waiting for something to happen. There's an interesting intersection between magic and sexual desire throughout the issue that gives the book a very contemporary feel; granted, the magic portion feels a little foreign in a way, but there's still a sense of normalcy in how the characters seemingly interact with one another. The pacing of the issue is very rhythmic as well, right up to the end where Azzarello pretty much pulls a big swerve that seemingly accelerates everything.

From an artistic standpoint, Llovet certainly doesn't disappoint. Her artwork is very adept at providing a glimpse at all the emotions the lead characters are experiencing, emphatically delivered through an attention to facial expressions and detail. There's a certain intimacy to what's occurring throughout the issue and Llovet presents that in a way that doesn't feel gratuitous or over the top. Llovet's linework is slightly messy, providing further context for characters who live messy lives. And the way the issue is colored feels warm in a way, as the brighter colors pop in unison with some of the realizations the characters come to.

Faithless #1 is a very interesting first issue that starts off as something of a take on modern love before taking a sharp turn toward something else entirely. Faith is perfectly suited as the main character, experiencing life through interactions with others who may not have her best interests at heart. Azzarello's script is very sharp and moves at a rapid clip. Llovet's illustrations are gorgeous and capture the tone of the script deftly. Faithless #1 is a very intriguing first issue that feels tightly put together and the start of something potentially fascinating.

Faithless #1 is available now.