Low #1
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2.8 • 4 Ratings
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Publisher Description
In the far distant future, the sun's premature expansion has irradiated Earth, sending humanity to the lowest depths of the seas, hidden within radiation-shielded cities, while probes scour the universe for inhabitable worlds to relocate to. After tens of thousands of years, a single probe returns, crashing on Earth's surface, a now-alien place no human has seen for many millennia. Frequent collaborators RICK REMENDER (BLACK SCIENCE, Uncanny Avengers) and GREG TOCCHINI (Last Days of American Crime, Uncanny X-Force) dive into an aquatic sci-fi/fantasy tale following two teams from the last remaining cities undersea as they race to the most unexpected alien world of all -- the surface of Earth. Special introductory issue features 30 full pages of painted art!
Customer Reviews
Brilliant & Original
It’s usually the Japanese and the mythologies of ancient societies whom we associate with vivid imaginative landscapes but Low accomplishes that same boldness, that sense of mythology, that je neis se quoi of a place and context so beyond our earthly expectations, yet still maintains a universal human core (a family in hope of a better future) without seeming too cookie cutter (although it does fall into some conventional tropes).
The opposing force is mysterious, motivated, threatening and mercenary like. They’re also a bit expositional, but that is grounded with a sense of consequence and danger, a far cry from the Dr Evil types. Still, it would be interesting to see villains who behave in an effective, consequential way that don’t try to explain their rationale and make thoughtful efforts to guarantee that no loose ends are left unchecked.
They have also somehow managed to balance dialogue in way that doesn’t come across as indulgently self-absorbed or kitsch, a mistake many science fiction and fantasy works seem to get into the habit of. I think it would be more novel if it wasn’t as exposition heavy (that can be a challenge), instead relying more on implications through visuals, mannerisms, behaviours, rituals and other non-verbal means (with a minimalistic sprinkle of direct exposition), but setting up a fascinating and novel world understandably requires a bit of work (which, let’s no overlook, is done in-between a saucy opening, gorgeous urban and ocean landscapes and a sense of deep history buried in mystery).
We need more creative works like Low showing us that we do not have to bury ourselves in same old same old stories, that we can dream a little bigger and therefore push the boundary of our imaginations; it’s a high concept science fiction for both general and discerning readers.
This work is heads and shoulders above the competition, but let’s not go too easy if it ever slips; we are counting on their efforts and thoughtfulness.
I only hope no Hollywood studio will step in to butcher the integrity of its unique and masterly vision.