Snowfall #1 Review

Snowfall #1 Review
Written by: Joe Harris
Art by: Martin Morazzo
Colours by: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letters by: Michael David Thomas
Review by John Dubrawa

Those that frequent Image Comics at their local comic shop have no doubt noticed a trend in the company putting out science fiction stories set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future. It’s therefore impossible to ignore the fact that Snowfall #1 is, in fact, another one of those science fiction stories set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future. Be that as it may, Snowfall is also another top-quality, high-concept, creator-owned title that’s unlike anything happening at any other publisher right now. There’s a reason Image Comics is at the top of their publisher game right now, and Snowfall is yet another—forgive me—cool new book in an already impressive lineup.

Most of this first issue serves to build up the world of Snowfall a bit more than necessary, but once the expository dialogue is out of the way, writer Joe Harris sets a course for an ecological thriller with an intriguing twist. Set in a future where it no longer snows, the world of Snowfall is ruled by a corporate-fronted government that’s attempting to track down the famed White Wizard, a man labeled as an “eco-terrorist” due to his unique ability to create snowfall in this world. While this setup provides ample room for exploration, it is the introduction of a second freedom fighter–one with the same intent to disrupt the government but approaching it much more maliciously–that makes Snowfall such a fascinating series moving forward. You can already see the seeds being planted for Harris to introduce some moral ambiguity into these dual protagonists.

Accompanying Harris on this trip through a winterless wonderland is his former Great Pacific artist Martin Morazzo. Morazzo has a pristine art style that fits the story well, rendering the early snow-covered landscapes beautifully. His character designs are also standout, like the villainous government agent Inspector Divitika Deal, who dresses like Chris Tucker’s character from The Fifth Element if he suddenly took up residence on Hoth. Kelly Fitzpatrick’s color palette is as sharp and clean as Morazzo’s pencils, lending a surprising brightness to an otherwise dystopian landscape. You also can’t help but appreciate the letter work of Michael David Thomas, who subdues some of the more talkative moments of the book with some eye-catching layouts.

VERDICT

BUY! While Image Comics might be putting out of science fiction stories set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future right now, don’t forget that most of these books are quality books. Snowfall #1 shows a lot of potential for the title to grow beyond its setup and into something not only excellent, but a title with something important to say as well.