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The Passing #0
Publisher: Arclight Comics
Story: Edward Williams
Pencils: Miguel Angel Ruiz
Colors: Tim Wasney
Letters: Edward Williams
Cover: Carlos Amaral

The Passing is the bold, new introduction to a comic universe beginning with an event that sheds some light on those “tall tales” of old but with a twist. We’re witness to John Henry, Calamity Jane, and Paul Bunyon’s exploits and struggles with the weight of being the hero. It’s here where co-creator, Edward Williams, takes you from this world of past heroes and transports you to the present day. It’s done with an excellent foundation and pacing which moves through decades of history in mere moments and gives you exactly what you need to know. In present day readers are introduced to Artavious whose mentor tasks him with doing more to continue the fight. It’s actually one of several highlights of the book where Williams points out the importance of legacy and rising to the occasion even if you’re lacking faith and not sure you’re ready. Something that  also ties back to what happens early on in the story and already it’s good to see Williams add some layers to this. You can tell he poured just as much on both ends of this story and didn’t let any of it falter.

Since most of the issue focuses on the legendary characters as our storyteller fills us in it’s up to artist Miguel Angel Ruiz and colorist Tim Wasney to move the narrative. So you’ll be happy to know that their visual storytelling is right on point. So much that in some panels (and this is no diss to the writer) Williamson’s words aren’t even necessary vebecause the sequential art is just that clear and precise. The characters are expressive and detailed enough that each emotion and interaction can be clearly interpreted by the reader. The action sequences are powerful and fill each panel with some great eye candy. Even when things are slowed down and we get to schism in the group, Ruiz and Wasney convey the emotion necessary that you get all the essential feels and it’s a powerful moment. The present day scenes are just as solid and in perfect sync with Williams’ dialogue as they set the stage for more. Oh, and I loved Artavious’ character design as he doesn’t fit the prototype hero look. Maybe at some point we can get a “silent issue” where it’s nothing but these two telling a visual story and dazzling us yet again.

Now we as readers have been demanding for quite some time that we get new stories told by new voices. Voices that aren’t given the spotlight but are just as powerful and creative. Well, the team from Arclight Comics has stepped up to meet that demand and not just with a few well placed words and good intentions. They’re doing it by introducing us to a brand new comic universe that delivers by not just giving us what we asked for but doing it with an organic feel and high quality. Williams and the crew he’s assembled look to be making their mark in comics and telling some good stories along the way. So we can’t wait to see what else the Arclight Comics Universe has in store for comic readers across the world!

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Infinite Speech
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