Black Science #3

By Rick Remender, Matteo Scalera and Dean White

Black Science is the science fiction comic others in the same genre should strive to emulate. In three issues, Remender, Scalera, and White have not just done some swift world building; they have laid the foundation for a story greater than contemporaries in the genre would dare attempt. This comic is hard sci-fi at its finest, a rich universe able to suspend disbelief up until the very brink of absolute disbelief. Even the characters, a menagerie of cookie cutter personas appropriated from the best of classical sci-fi adventuring, offer a deep layer of intrigue and excitement unique to current comic reading.

Prevailing through most of Remender’s current narratives are themes of penance, a desire for absolution for past transgressions. Through the head of Grant, we see this deep desire to reverse the course of history, to close doors he sought to use for good. As his story unfolds, he assumes an identity similar to Reed Richards, a genius insulated by his own mind, tortured by the desire to bend the fabric of the universe to his will. His exposition floats above every page, reading like the last will and testament of a condemned man. Whether we are bearing witness to the reflection of a scientist who has doomed the world, or someone on the verge of saving it remains a mystery. What is certain is the power of Grant’s supporting cast, however limited their development has been. They enrich Grant’s reflections, giving the tone of his desperation more weight.

Accompanied by the visual brilliance of Scalera and White, the world of Black Science bleeds off the page, becoming as possible as any explored reality by the Dimensionauts. Character expressions vividly express the severity of their emotions, subtly unlocking each beyond their limited exposure. Similarly the action receives the same intensity, delivering a richness which forces the reader to study every tidbit of every panel. A testament to the immersive art, a link exists through every sequence, linking past and present scenes as if they happen simultaneously. Drops of alternating red and black ink, seemingly innocent artistic flourishing or styling, can be seen uniting panels between pages across the entire issue.

Black Science is easily one of the most engaging and thrilling reads on the shelf. Issue three continues a welcome president of involved reading, stories which can balance pace and offer a considerable time spent reading.