[Comic Book Review] TRIAGE #1 from Dark Horse Comics

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of TRIAGE #1 from Dark Horse Comics. Available Wednesday, September 4th, the creative team for this issue features writing/art/colors from Phillip Sevy, and lettering from Frank Cvetkovic.

TRIAGE #1

Writer: Phillip Sevy
Artist: Phillip Sevy
Colorist: Phillip Sevy
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic

Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Phillip Sevy
Variant Cover: Hannah Templer

Publication Date: September 04, 2019
Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries
SRP: $3.99

Define your existence!

A dedicated nurse named Evie Pierce awakens to an unfamiliar world alongside two other women–one, a young and snarky superhero; the other, a hardened rebel military commander of a post-apocalyptic world. When a mysterious figure begins to hunt them down, the women must work together to survive and discover why they were assembled.

RELATED: SDCC 2019 Interview: Phillip Sevy of TRIAGE

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
TRIAGE #1

Writing:

The writing in TRIAGE #1 sets the stage for what is sure to be an amazing five-issue miniseries. Phillip Sevy’s delivery with his writing really makes for a compelling read. He has opened the series with some great foundational work, created interesting characters who you wouldn’t think would pair up (but oh, are they going to), and a couple of surprises to further keep you intrigued.

There’s even heart to the story. Evie takes an introspective look at why things are the way they are, if life is predestined. Our protagonist keeps it real as to her feelings of love and Sevy conveys that nicely.

There are a couple of things I would love to mention and possible expound upon, but you know, spoiler-free and all. I will tell you this…by time you finish TRIAGE #1, you will definitely be asking yourself questions. The type of questions which will stimulate your mind, get those wheels turning, but mostly evoke that excitement for the next issue. The kind where you go, “Whaaat?!” Yeah, Phillip is going to grab you like that.

We do get a taste of the other two primary characters in TRIAGE, Orbit and Marco, but I think (character development-wise) the first issue focused a bit more on Evie to flesh her out and what appears to put her at the forefront. Come on, issue two, show us even more!

Art:

Visually, TRIAGE #1 is something magnificent to behold. The defined linework and strong inking in the opening pages provide a sense of realism with the introduction of Evelyn “Evie” Pierce and her real-life struggles. Coupled with the writing, Evelyn’s life looks and feels authentic.

But then here comes the acid trip…

Perhaps not entirely accurate, but you do get hit with an intense psychedelic vibe. One filled with a vibrant, almost electric landscape, brimming with moments of surrealism, and maybe just a few dashes of mindf*** thrown in for good measure. It’s wildly imaginative and a fantastic signature look for TRIAGE. I can’t wait to see Phillip reveal more of this alluringly bizarre world he has envisioned for his story.

Letters:

Letterer Frank Cvetkovic partners fluidly with Sevy, which shouldn’t be a surprise given this isn’t the two creators first team-up. The layouts throughout are sharp, the dialogue and captions add weight to the voice(s), and his sound effects couldn’t be placed any better. To be honest, Frank actually had me do a double-take.

There was one point early on where the font in Evie’s speech bubble seemed as if it were a point or two smaller than previously seen and in subsequent panels. Not only the smaller font, but there looked like there was more room than normal in the bubble. The only thing I could think of calling it is extra padding/spacing around the centered text. (Please forgive me, I haven’t fully learned the ins and outs of professional lettering and the terminology) But it almost immediately hit me that was Frank’s intention, to give off the impression of Evie half-speaking this to herself out loud. It’s not something I’ve often seen, but Cvetkovic impressed the heck out of me with that move.

With TRIAGE, Sevy places himself alongside such creative geniuses such as Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, Mike Mignola, and Ray Fawkes. Creators who can tackle both writing and illustrations and do both in such an artistically beautiful way. In this new Dark Horse title, Sevy creates a universe that could very well become his signature stlye, and what a glorious universe it is. A style which could elevate his sci-fi cred to a new level. Just based off this debut issue, he has raised the bar not only for himself, but for future sci-fi sagas. Phillip Sevy is taking readers on a visually stimulating thrill ride. Best hop on now because TRIAGE is only going to gain steam.

TRIAGE #2

Writer: Phillip Sevy
Artist: Phillip Sevy
Colorist: Phillip Sevy
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic

Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Phillip Sevy
Variant Cover: Jorge Corona

Publication Date: October 09, 2019
Format: FC, 32 pages; Miniseries
SRP: $3.99

Evie, Marco, and Orbit wake up from their recent jump between realities with only hours remaining before their next confrontation with the Hunter, an interdimensional being set on destroying them! The three women must figure out they’re being targeted, how they relate to each other, and what they can do to escape certain death.