PopCultHQ

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of THE DISPLACED #1 from BOOM! Studios. Available on Wednesday, February 14th, the creative team for this issue features writing from Ed Brisson, art from Luca Casalanguida, colors by Dee Cunniffe, and lettering from Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

Here is PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review of…

THE DISPLACED #1

Chapter One: “No Time for Goodbye”
Written by Ed Brisson
Art by Luca Casalanguida
Colors by Dee Cunniffe
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Covers & Cover Artists:
Cover A by Luca Casalanguida w/ Dee Cunniffe
Cover B by Declan Shalvey
Cover C by Luca Casalanguida (Black & White Virgin Variant)
Cover D by Andrea Sorrentino (Virgin Variant)
Cover E by Declan Shalvey (Black & White Virgin Variant)

NEW SERIES!

In a world where no one believes you exist, what would you do to be remembered?

The city of Oshawa, Ontario has vanished without a trace. Even worse, nobody remembers it or the 170,000 missing residents that disappeared along with it. As the survivors also fall into the forgotten, they must seek each other out, if they hope to have any chance of surviving in a world where no one believes they exist…

THE DISPLACED #1

With today being Valentine’s Day, love is in the air. Whether for your partner, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband or wife, a new relationship, or whatever you fancy, it’s a day highlighting, and reveling in, the emotions of the heart. If you don’t have a special someone with whom to embrace this holiday, what do you love? A passion? A hobby? A pet? For me (since no one asked)? I’m in love with THE DISPLACED. It’s something new, we haven’t even made it to second base (yet). But it looks very promising and I’m confident we’re going to be good together.

Throughout my reading of Brisson & Casalanguida’s new series, the word that kept popping into my head was “intriguing.” There are a number of occasions where you find yourself thinking, “Whoa! I wasn’t expecting that!” or “Ooh, that’s a saucy twist!“

Writing: To say that Brisson’s take on a story about a mass disappearance is compelling doesn’t come close to truly capturing what’s found in issue one. In any form of media (comics, film, tv, etc.), we’re accustomed to a lot of back-and-forth scene changes to flesh out a story and how it reaches other people & places. But the way the story progresses through time in different ways for those who disappeared and the rest of society is so damn captivating. The latter half of this issue, you feel your eyes getting larger and wider every page or two, culminating in a brilliant cliffhanger to close out issue one. I even had a “Squee!” moment (internally, not audibly). Ed’s delivery is well-paced, and he managed to lay out a large foundation upon which this series will be built.

Art: Luca’s illustrations hit you immediately with the feels you’re about to experience. The gritty, urban edge wasn’t something I expected from a story set in the province of Ontario (sorry, Canada, I do love you though), but it works brilliantly. It adds a sweet layer to Ed’s storytelling. There’s real definition in the faces of the cast of characters in THE DISPLACED. The kind that are easily and instanly recognizable in the later pages (and subsequently future issues). I don’t know about you, but that has always increased the level of connection I have with the characters and their personal tales or journey. It also makes for sharp backgrounds and panel scenery.

One last thing: I appreciate how much Luca utilizes the space in each panel. Nothing is to excess and, probably most notable, is the respect Casalanguida makes for room needed by the letterer in certain panels. That’s just some team player stuff, right there.

Colors: The shades and hues Dee employs really elevate THE DISPLACED #1 – not just Luca’s illustrations, but the arcane nature of the narrative. Don’t expect bold and striking colors; they’re not needed in this story and Cunniffe recognized that. Though not a darkness, per se, rather bringing out the cold & grittiness through a more matted look to the chilling scenes. It’s “colors evoking emotion” and Dee brings the perfect compliment to the overall tone & feel found throughout Canada in this premiere issue.

Letters: Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering is damn-near a MasterClass on the craft. From proper placements to his handling of kerning, the consistency of the widths for dialogue balloon tails, his dialogue text stacking, how he layers balloons, and the sound effects are off-the-charts. Anyone considering getting into lettering, THE DISPLACED #1 makes for a comics TED Talk to study & review on the regular.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

The creative team mesh so well in this debut issue. They really “get” each other. Individually, each creator produces a solid outing. As a whole, collectively? It felt as if they’ve had a bond for decades. Like how Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams worked together on their landmark run on Green Lantern. Each page seems to radiate with talented creators delivering their best, while at the same time propping up one another, wanting each other creator to shine. It’s a powerful and humbling vibe, overflowing with passion, and the readers get to reap the benefits.

There are a number of instances in this issue that will pique your interest, spark your curiosity, even get you falling in love with the prospects of this series. You might even think, “Intriguing!” yourself. Regardless, anyone giving this premiere issue a try is going to be hooked and excited for what’s to come next. Add THE DISPLACED to your pull list. Like yesterday. And if you don’t have a pullbox with your LCS, get one.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

About BOOM! Studios:

BOOM! Studios was founded by Ross Richie in 2005 with the singular focus of creating world-class comic book and graphic novel storytelling for all audiences. Through the development of four distinct imprints—BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Box, KaBOOM!, and Archaia—BOOM! has produced award-winning original work, including Lumberjanes, The Woods, Giant Days, Klaus, and Mouse Guard, while also breaking new ground with established licenses such as WWE, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Cartoon Network, and The Jim Henson Company properties. BOOM! will also bring their original series to life through unique first-look relationships with 20th Century Fox for film and with 20th Television for the small screen. Please visit www.boom-studios.com for more information.

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