Broken Frontier

The penultimate issue of this excellent series from Image defines “page turner.”

Let’s face it, a story of a father and daughter with a strained relationship on the road trying to avoid being killed by light sources could get lost amongst shelves brimming with superhero soap operas. However, those who took the risk on the first issue four months ago were wise to do so. Each issue has added another satisfying and surprising layer to this tense tale, with Edmondson (Olympus) and Weldele (The Surrogates) proving that they work very well together, and I hope they do so again soon.

Coyle and his daughter Avery head off towards her aunt’s house hoping to find her mother, with the pair of brothers from last issue along for the ride, and when they arrive in Portland...well…a lot changes.

Edmondson knows just how much, and when, to reveal as a writer and although I don’t have as many answers about the virus as I’d like, I know Edmondson does. It’s a good strategy as it develops empathy with the characters and like them, also drives us towards the dark to look for answers, though happy ones they may not be.

Weldele’s art is a perfect fit for this book. Mood plays a big part, especially in this issue as the focus is tighter and the action is minimal. Even with people sitting in a car talking, or examining a house, Weldele manages to fill the pages with a sombre yet attractive palette.

Compared to the previous entries in the series, this issue focuses more on the development of the characters rather than the bigger picture, and surprises, of the light-as-killer-virus that haunts the survivors.

The discovery of Avery’s mother and their reactions cause a greater shift in Coyle’s relationship with her scared daughter, and Coyle’s self discovery and reactions of the trigger happy brothers means next month’s conclusion should be tense and filled with action.

The Light is one of those series where you don’t want to reveal too much, except the fact that it’s awesomely readable. For those who’ve hesitated at its unusual story, the TPB will make The Light even more satisfying.