| EDIT: I wrote the below yesterday, since then I started Chapter Two and I think I am now hooked. I’ve gotten to the point where I can include there are several trigger warnings including, but not limited to: Pandemic like situations, violence, sexual assault, sexuality, extreme blood/violence, religious content. And a three for potential and how much I like/dislike the first chapter and half. | |
There is something perversely beautiful about the first chapter of Human Remains: The Complete Series. Especially towards the end when two lovers, filled with emotion on their wedding day are dancing, ignoring her beloved cousin who is talking about an alien attack only to find out it is not his game he is referencing, but a real alien invasion. And at one point thinking they have lost each other, only to face the aliens together for the first (and last) time.
You see, Peter Milligan has aliens feed on emotion. Or, at least, they kill those who show emotions. It does not matter if you are angry, hitting your girlfriend. Or laughing at a not-so-
funny joke for the hundredth time. Or hugging your child. Or yelling to the world “I am here! I have emotions! I am human!” just to feel something. Even if it is the feeling of being torn apart, causing the screech of the aliens to echo across the neighborhood, leaving nothing but red where you once were. Leaving nothing else behind showing you existed but a wife who cannot cry (or laugh depending on her feelings on her marriage) for the loss.
And this is just the fist 30 or so pages. I cannot, give this a rating due to not knowing how this will turn out but I do know two things; first this is NOT for the squeamish and I am not sure if I can finish it because of that. And two, this is going to be one screwed up, whacked out ride that is going to be an experience read. Just what that experience will be, I have no clue bit I am not sure I really want to find out.
And that includes learning more about how Sally Cantirino created the illustrations. They are comic-graphic novel traditional. Busy, crowded, colors not bold or muted or anything but what they are. They are a supporting member of the cast, without a lot to say, but just by being there says a lot.
Adrian F. Wassel, you edited something pretty far out and in late September/early October 2022 the rest of us can find out how far out.