Writer: Tom Taylor / Penciller: Daniele Di Nicuolo / Colour Artists: Walter Baiamonte & Katia Ranalli / Letterer: Ed Dukeshire / Boom! Studios.
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26th August 2020
The Pitch: For centuries, the Order has trusted in Keepers and Holders to guard the Secrets in seven briefcases against all harm. When their stronghold is attacked and the secrets put in peril, the entire Order must face their greatest fear - an enemy who knows too much and is willing to kill to get what he wants. Now, the Order's newest member, Caspar, must discover the truth of the Secrets before the enemy does, or risk losing everything.
Decompression.
It's been one of the most interesting changes in comics in the last few decades. Partly brought on (one assumes) by the onset of the graphic novel/trade paperback market and the decline of the 'one-and-done' issue. Sometimes, the decompression can work against a books' forward momentum. We've all read comics where the ending was stretched over an extra issue or two. Or worse, books that take a whole issue up with a 'prelude' – usually a first issue. The flip side to all this is when decompression works with and for the comic. And Seven Secrets #1 is one of the best examples of this in recent memory.
It's great to see a book that weaves its narrative from things that no one can talk about
The book tells its story via flashback and memory, something that becomes gradually more impressive as we realise the memories are those of a character we won't really meet in this issue and who couldn't have been present – at least not cognitively – at the events he narrates. It's a neat device because it means the things he talks about are, in effect, secrets that have been imparted to him. As violence begets violence, secrets beget more secrets. It's great to see a book that weaves its narrative from things that no one can talk about. Creating exposition from that has got to be a challenge and you can really feel Taylor pushing himself. He deserves applause for doing it. What makes the comic even more tantalising is the prospect that we, the humble reader, might not ever be told what the seven secrets are. That would be something.
Taylor's technical skill as a writer is never in doubt. The book is superbly paced, keeping that forward momentum even with the flashback structure. There's genuine love expressed between Sigurd and Eva (this issue's leads), shown economically. Di Nicoulo’s art has an anime infusion, getting maximum drama out of the character's faces. The action is exciting, dynamic, and impactful. That impact, emotionally speaking, carries over to the quieter scenes. Baiamonte and Ranelli's colours are gorgeous, perfectly delineating the time periods the book takes place in. Dukeshire's letters give you an evocative sense of voice and tone, really selling the separate identities of the players. Treat yourself to this today – – and tell your friends how much you like it. It's too good to be kept a secret.
Buy Boom comics here and support The Comic Crush. You can buy the book from Gosh Comics or order it from Bookshop.org