The Light #1

Written by Nathan Edmondson
Art by Brett Weldele

I pre-ordered this comic based on the strength of Edmondson's recent Image series Olympus, which was an enjoyable look at updating some Greek myths.  I've also read a lot of Weldele's work, some of which I enjoyed a great deal (Couscous Express, The Surrogates) and some of which has left me kind of cold (Julius, Shot Callerz). 

Anyway, I was quite impressed with this first issue.  Coyle is an alcoholic, wife-beating welder who loses his job at the beginning of the book.  He makes his way home to be avoided by his teenage daughter and lectured by his mother, who he is living with.  Things look rather bleak for this jerk, and he doesn't feel like the type of hero comics are usually centred on.  Then he hears his neighbour screaming for help, and admonishing him to not 'look at the light'.  Suddenly, this guy glances at a street light, and is quickly burned up in a strange white fire.

Coyle still has his welding goggles around his neck, and is therefore safe.  He goes home to rescue his family, and the book suddenly becomes an interesting variation on the typical zombie/apocalypse type of story.  What makes this interesting is that it is impossible to avoid light in our modern society, especially at night.  When Coyle tries to steal a car, he realizes that the dome light in the roof makes it a hazard.

This issue is illustrated by the good Weldele.  His stuff has its customary Ben Templesmith feel to it, and it is much clearer and easier to follow than it often can be.  I find whenever his work is coloured, it is much easier to read, and more enjoyable.  This is a fine looking book.

Edmondson's essay on interconnectivity at the back gives the reader some hints as to his theme, and I'm very curious to see where he takes this story next.