New from Valiant Comics comes an all-new series. A “who done it” in addition to all the action of a near-future sci-fi thriller. When Japans leaders meet in America to finalize work on a new secret project they are not prepared for the chaos that follows. A series of unexplained terror attacks jeopardies’ the future of the project. Not to mention they fill the series debut issue with plenty of jaw-dropping action. The visitor does a great job of telling both a real and gritty story. A story which in current climates feels all too real. However, The Visitor’s intrigue, mystery, and sci-fi elements elevate it above the doom and gloom making it a gripping read.
Story
The Visitor is written by Paul Levitz with art by MJ Kim. To avoid spoilers I’ll keep the issues overarching plot fairly brief. Although to be fair, the issue does a pretty great job of keeping things mysterious. Japan’s leaders arrive in America along with a secret project. One that is nearing completion and aims to protect Japan from its many enemies. It would appear however that someone doesn’t wish to see the project completed when a string of unexplained Terror attacks threaten Japans ambassadors.
The issue moves at a breakneck pace. That doesn’t give much time to develop our characters but it does leave just enough time to introduce them all. Furthermore, I found the issues fast pace went hand in hand with the chaotic story being told. The Visitor balances its real-world events with its mysterious sci-fi elements well. Small subtle moments that only last a few seconds but have massive impact on the issue are nice additions.
The series debut issue does spend a large portion of its time dumping exposition which is to be expected. It also, however, kept me intrigued right through till its end. Ending on a fantastic looking final page which I must admit makes me desperate to read issue #2. The Visitor seems to have something for all types of comic readers. Fans of good old fashioned mysteries, sci-fi or simply action will find something to enjoy in The Visitor #1.
Characters
As I said, the issue introduces us to each of our main characters but doesn’t spend too long developing them. That being said there were a couple which made some brilliant first impressions. First up we have Talia Dauber, U.N. security service charged with protecting America’s Japanese visitors. Unable to figure out whos behind these attacks her priority is getting the Japanese to safety. I enjoyed her introduction. She’s witty and grounded, with some obvious history that is only mentioned in passing here and I hope is expanded on in future issues.
Next up we have Ogawa-San, the youngest of the Japanese visitors. He is one of the lead workers on their secret project. A likable enough character, although he didn’t do a whole lot. I did however really enjoy his moments with Talia. Next up we have Kubo-Sama, the eldest of the envoy and a mentor to Ogawa-San. He played the part of the wise old sensei to great effect. That character’s archetype has been brilliantly adapted to fit a more modern setting and I loved it.
The final main character and the last of the Japanese Visitors is Abe-San. I found him to be the most unlikeable of the three. He was, however, good for some small comic relief moments which was appreciated in what is a dark story. There needs to be more of these three in future issues to fully flesh out their characters. Something I expect Issue #2 will deal with.
The visitor
Finally, we have “The Visitor”. The issue doesn’t attempt to explain him at all. Something I loved. His character is made all the more intriguing when it is left up to you the reader to imagine. His character is therefore almost entirely brought to life through The Visitor’s incredible artwork which made him even more intriguing. I cant wait to see what else becomes of him in future issues.
Artwork
Like the story, The Visitor’s artwork does a fantastic job of blending gritty realism with hints at futuristic sci-fi elements. The terror attacks that feature throughout are brought to life in all their horridness. It’s never played for shock value or edginess for the sake of edginess but it does ground this story in hard-hitting realism.
Alongside that, each of our characters looks brilliant. Again, captured in a real and grounded looking way. I’ll admit the issues namesake, The Visitor despite his brief appearances was the obvious standout to me.
The Visitor issue #1 did a great job of laying the groundwork for an intriguing mystery as well as introducing a set of real-feeling characters. Its sci-fi elements and its shocking moments are never overplayed but instead only add moments of intensity to what is already a gripping read. If you’re a fan of sci-fi or good old fashioned mysteries, pick up The Visitor. It’s worth your time and will suck you straight into its story.
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