Low #7

By Rick Remender, Greg Tocchini

“What is the point of anything without art and stories?”

The story of the Cain family is far from over! Having spent the first arc alongside Stel for most of the way this one kicks off featuring her daughter Della — and something tells me their time apart has made them very different people…

The writer on this series is Rick Remender as he brings us back into the world of Low with issue #7. It’s been a long time coming, does the issue hold up to how great the first arc was? The answer is yes. Remender jumps right into a new storyline, all within the same underwater world, as this time we’re shown just how dangerous creativity can be — at least in this world, seriously, don’t even touch a pen or a brush.

The story kicks off with Della coming home to find her girlfriend painting, which isn’t tolerated (no art whatsoever!). She quickly burns the painting, a gesture which sets the tone for the rest of the story as  other creative minds are sought out. The quote seen above plays along with this notion really well, because what is the point of art without creativity? Isn’t life just one big story after all?

Remender is able to quickly create a relationship between Della and her lover, something we see play out in the beginning. With this base we can see how Della might be overlooking some things when it comes to her personal life, but surely her work will catch up with her… right? It’s this idea that creates suspense throughout the issue as you’re left to wonder how long Della can hold out knowing her significant other is committing the crime of creativity!

Greg Tocchini is the artist on this series as we return to the highly colorful and abstract looking world of Low. A great page, loaded with detail, comes from a group of creatives putting together a book of art and literature. We’re introduced to them in a huge panel taking up most of the page, the walls filled with lush reds and oranges, as everyone standing around wears dull blue and grey jackets. A picture can be seen in the background, standing out against the bright colors. This scene quickly takes another turn though, since, you know, creativity is such a horrible crime and all.

Remender and Tocchini return and bring back the great writing and artwork that made the first arc so memorable. Della’s time away has changed her, but is there any hope for Stel to bring her back? What about Della’s sister Tajo? This is going to be one hell of a ride.