Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, eric stephenson, image, image comics, Review, Simon Gane, They're Not Like Us

Image's They're Not Like Us #3 Is Influential And Memorable

As a frequent reader of all types of comics, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle of things. You'll often encounter storylines that are just trotting along without any real meaning behind the words. However, sometimes something extraordinary will happen. While tackling your to-be-read pile, you'll choose a comic, open it up, and before you know it, a powerful feeling washes over you. That feeling is what sets the great comics apart from the good. Why am I saying this, you ask? Because that's exactly how I felt while reading They're Not Like Us #3 from Image, written by Eric Stephenson with art by Simon Gane. When I started reading this series a few months ago, I knew that it was unique and had the potential to be incredibly influential and memorable. My predictions were confirmed this month.

For those of you who don't know, They're Not Like Us is a story about a group of characters that society assumed something was wrong with, but in all actuality they have unique abilities. Main character Syd has gone through her whole life thinking that she's crazy because she hears voices, but when she is rescued from the hospital from an unfamiliar group of people, they tell her that she's actually telepathic. Over the course of the first two issues, Syd goes back and forth with how she feels about the belief system that goes on among the group, and wonders if she will ever truly be able to work with them. In issue #3, she makes up her mind and blossoms after going through training with secondary character, Gruff. Don't get me wrong, the adjustment doesn't come easy for her, but I won't spoil how things play out.

Overall, Eric Stephenson's script is genius. The characters that he has created are so unique, but because they have shared similar struggles and are living together, we get to experience a real sense of loyalty and unity among them. I have to mention Syd's inner dialogue towards the end of the issue. When I encountered the pages, I actually found myself reading them out loud. Stephenson's words were magnetic, carefully considered, and strong. I felt incredibly connected to Syd's character during those moments. You can see a part of that dialogue below. On another note, Simon Gane's artwork is equally as powerful as the script. The expressions on all of the characters faces are always perfectly detailed. You can feel their relief, their pain, and their passion no matter what the situation is. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; the mark of a true artist is one that can illustrate pages without words and maintain the readers connection to the book. Gane does just that. So, if I haven't made it clear enough yet, They're Not Like Us has a brilliant script, and monumental artwork. I highly recommend picking up this book.

Christine Marie is a Staff Writer at Bleeding Cool, and bibliomaniac with a love for all things creative. She hopes to one day be a Superhero/Disney Princess/Novelist. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @AWritersWay or on her blog writerchristinemarie.wordpress.com.

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