CREDIT: BOOM! Studios
Rating: 4.5/5 – Otherworldly Evil in a Realistic and Genuine Setting.
by ComicSpectrum senior reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
Burning Fields does a fantastic job of telling a compelling story that is grounded in realism, but provides an ending that hints of more unreal and supernatural things to come. After reading writer Michael Moreci’s work on the fun and “out there” Hoax Hunters from Image, I wanted to see what he’d do in a more realistic setting. Along with co-writer Tim Daniel and artist Colin Lorimer, they’ve created a compelling story that draws you in and will have you eagerly awaiting the next issue.
After a gruesome and chilling opening that isn’t for the squeamish we meet Dana Atkinson, an ex-army investigator who’s tasked with heading back into the Middle East to investigate a series of murders. Although hesitant to head back at first, there’s a need for revenge and an opportunity to wrap up some unfinished business that has obviously been haunting her since she left. Moreci and Daniel do a great job of building her character. She’s strong and driven while her dialogue never feels forced or heroic. In the city of Kirkuk, Iraq, we also meet a police officer and his son that provides another subplot that’s just as interesting as the main one. Their relationship set against the back drop of private militaries invading their country adds another layer to the drama.
The realistic settings, along with a few scenes of ultra violence is wonderfully drawn by Colin Lorimer. I wasn’t familiar with Lorimer’s work prior to this first issue of Burning Fields, but now that I’m aware, I’ll be following him for sure. He’s got a heavier line with some strong shadow work. He’s not afraid to use thick lines, even in faces to show depth and structure. He’s able to portray the busy and packed streets of Iraq that make the world feel alive, and draw some horrific and violent scenes that can have you look away.
BOOM! looks to have a hit on their hands with Burning Fields. It’s an eight issue series that looks to tackle subjects that are both realistic and timely, as well as horror and evil that’s ancient and otherworldly. Burning Fields combines a solid creative team with subject matter that covers a wide range of genres. This first issue surprises in a lot of different ways and I can’t wait to read more!
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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