PopCultHQ

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of THE JUMP #1 from Half Evil Comics. Currently LIVE on Kickstarter, the creative team for this issue features writing from Rylend Grant, art from Fábio Alves, colors by Edson Ferreira, and lettering from HdE.

THE JUMP #1

Writer: Rylend Grant
Artist: Fábio Alves
Colorist: Edson Ferreira
Letterer: HdE

Cover Artists (Main & Variants):
Fábio Alves (Artist)
Edson Ferreira (Colorist)

After a series of crippling personal tragedies, Thomas Northrope retreats from his everyday life and finds comfort in an online community dedicated to the art of astral projection. When he demonstrates a unique aptitude for the practice, Thomas becomes the target of a mysterious corporate/political machine – known as AJAX – bent on using promising young practitioners to win a centuries-old war on the astral plane.

VARIANT COVERS

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
THE JUMP – Chapter One: Tonight, I Project

I’m sure you’ve seen signs on the internet or memes stating, “This is why we can’t have nice things!” THE JUMP offers a magical landscape embedded amongst us, but also shows how something beautiful to behold can be used/abused for nefarious reasons.

My first read-through was taking in this world, or perhaps I should say “these worlds,” and opening my eyes to a concept for which I’m not fully aware. Astral projection, or the leaving of one’s body, is rife with fantastic questions and mysteries. Such possibility, so much to explore. It’s a fun journey as we learn along with the series protagonist, Stephen, and venture into this realm of spirits. I even noticed a few Easter eggs interspersed this first issue, which made this even more enjoyable.

Writing: Grant delivers another cinematic thrillride with THE JUMP #1. I’m not certain if Rylend has a formula when it comes to storytelling, but all his tales grab a hold of the reader and take them along and this story is no different. THE JUMP’s a beautiful medley of fascination and wonder, filled with engaging characters, sprinkled with humor and heart, a healthy dose of intrigue, all wrapped up with a compelling premise. Not an easy task, by any means. But this is Grant’s strength and what will ultimately lead to a highly successful series on the indie scene. And like his work on ABERRANT and BANJAX, the pacing and delivery is some of the best you’ll find in comic books today.

Art: Alves looks to be having a blast with illustrations for THE JUMP. Given the Detroit backdrop, you’ll see similarities in the gritty, urban setting like his work on BANJAX. But Fábio is getting to put enchanting imagery on display in the astral realm. Through the lead character’s projecting, Alves has the opportunity to showcase some beautiful sights from across the world, putting his defined touch to the landscape. Whether looking over the shoulder of Christ the Redeemer down on Brazil, battling of the Civil War, a trip under water, a venture out into space, or this astral realm of mystery, Fábio’s full talent is being laid out on the pages. I’m anxious and excited as to what future illustrations with which he’ll impress the socks off me. It keeps getting better.

Colors: Ferreira’s colors pop in all the right places. He’s very conscious of when to let Fábio’s linework dominate a panel and when his additions should take center stage. Though some of the colors adhere to the urban nature of the Detroit scenes, Edson gets the opportunity to show off some flare with vibrant, glowing auras and he trips the light fantastic with his fantastic, trippy lighting. It brings an otherworldy sensation to the astral plane that’s a sweet dessert for the eyes. There’s such cohesion in Fabio and Edson’s work and it’s the reader who benefits from this artistic pairing.

Letters: HdE has always had a knack for giving distinct voices to the characters he letters. In issue one, his caption boxes produce that narration quality found in television and film. One does not simply read these boxes, Thomas’s voice resonates in your head while reading along. Definitely adds an impressive layer to the book. HdE continues to put forward top-notch lettering: from his fantastic kerning, his mastery of negative spacing, and smart dialogue balloon placements. Grant usually has a lot to jam into his first issues, but HdE tackles it with ease. He’s truly a major asset to the art team.

THE JUMP explores an ethereal realm, imagines the possibilities, and how some people will still find a way to take advantage and exploit it. This first issue packs a hefty load of foundation, character development, and appeal. The storytelling, both written and visual, is compelling and the major players in THE JUMP have stories/backstories you want to hear. And just as the art of projection and the astral world begins revealing itself within the pages, questions abound filling you with the insatiable desire to know more. Half Evil Comics has a concept on its hands destined for greatness, whether that’s long life as an ongoing or an adaptation in Hollywood. Regardless, Grant and his creative team have more than just another hit on their hands…what they’ve produced is out of this world.

5 Out of 5 Stars

THE JUMP #1 is currently LIVE on Kickstarter, has met and exceeded its campaign goal, and has already locked in the first stretch goal. This is a series you’re going to want to watch. I highly recommend backing THE JUMP #1 on Kickstarter.

Writer – Rylend Grant

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Artist – Fábio Alves

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Colorist – Edson Ferreira

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Letterer – HdE

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Publisher – Half Evil Comics

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