Review: "Home" #1

Home is the story of an orphan finding new meaning in life and distraction from her taxing job by the discovery of a super-power. What may sound like your usual super-hero story is, however, decisively spiced-up by what protagonist Elysia's power actually is. Being suddenly able to see and change digital code in her environment, she takes the opportunity to make the world around her, and thus her own life as well, a better place. Although readers are left a little bit in the dark when it comes to a more specific angle on Elysia's super-power, subsequent issues will hopefully shed a bit more light on that.

Writer Todd Black narrates Home mainly by protagonist Elysia immediately addressing readers. While it does allow for a deeper look into her motivations and motifs, the bond one is supposed to have with her unfortunately never quite materialises. Following issues will hopefully be able to draw a sharper, more distinct picture of Elysia, which will allow readers to be more invested into her. 

Home's core art may appear to be a bit too simple at times, as one is wishing for artist Dinh Nguyen to go for more detail, especially in the environments. But the whole art team shows their exceptional skill when creating some beautifully complex panels and images. It's especially the visualization of the code that protagonist Elysia sees and some seriously heartfelt emotions in character's faces that manage to stand out. Colorist Beth Varni chooses a stunning azure blue as a leitmotif, popping up everywhere in the comic and  giving it a very distinct character and recognizability.

This is a strong first issue, not just for an independent comic creators team, which surprises with a fresh take on super-hero powers and how they are presented. With still room to improve in some areas, this has the potential to be really really good in the future once it fully finds its groove.


7/10


PS: Home can only be purchases online, and further issues depend on this Kickstarter campaign.