Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: Ariela Kristantina, boom studios, Comics, conspiracy theories, Deep State, entertainment, Justin Jordan, sci-fi, The X-Files

Deep State #1: You'll See What They Want You To See

By Alex Mansfield

A common refrain heard in regards to first issues is the lack of information provided within the inaugural twenty or so pages. While one can debate the inanity of complaining about not having an entire story being revealed at the onset, there is some merit in griping about there not being enough to hook the reader and entice them into returning. But what happens when the book in question is all about withholding information? Enter Deep State by Justin Jordan and Ariela Kristantina, an eerily atmospheric investigation into the world's darkest secrets and those working to keep them hidden. There are questions upon questions, and at this stage of the game that's all intentional. Who's the lead character? If he's doing his job right, no one. Who's that? She's with him. Is that an alien zombie cosmonaut? No, that's a weather balloon. Deep State lets you know exactly as much as it wants you to know, which is more than enough to confidently dive into this series.

John Harrow is an agent for a shadow organization that quells the spread of any and all information surrounding enigmatic happenings. JFK assassination? Sure, they know that. Cattle mutilations? You betcha. Fake moon-landings? Son, that's their bread and butter. Harrow recruits Ms. Branch, a hardworking government agent that his organization's very expensive program identified as being just the right blend of curious and determined. After learning the true history of humanity's lunar adventures, the eager rookie and seasoned truth-suppressor are off to investigate the recent crash site of a 1964 Soviet space command module long thought lost forever. Except it didn't crash; it landed. *Cue Vincent Price maniacal laughter*

Let's just get this out of the way because it's unavoidable: yes, Deep State is very reminiscent of The X-Files. Luckily for all involved, The X-Files was a phenomenal show and while Jordan is wearing its influence on his sleeve a bit, he cleverly tweaks those familiar dynamics to create something new yet equally intriguing. Instead of digging to get to the truth, Jordan presents a character who already knows the truth, but wants to bury it. It's the same 'walking through the woods with flashlights looking for supernatural beings' that you've likely seen before except this time it's through the lens of those looking to cover it up. It's a premise that's able to maintain the familiar episodic sci-fi investigations and conspiracy theories, but it also injects the additional thrill of being able to reveal the hidden history of the world because it promises to actually know the answers.

Tonally, there's a surprising blend of humor to match the ominous ambiance, particularly an exchange between a sheriff and deputy that serves as a pleasant reminder that there's still a grounded self-awareness to be found amongst the alien hoopla. Of course the real genre fun is in the buddy-cop/sci-fi horror mashup. Branch is quick witted and headstrong and Jordan paints her as someone the reader can believe would actually willingly jump into danger simply because some strange dude showed up and asked. Harrow gets to be the Morpheus to Brand's Neo and leaves her destiny in her hands. Clearly there's lots more to reveal about Branch, specifically everything up until the moment we meet her on page four. Hell, we don't even know her first name yet. But she makes for a great point of view character, matching the reader's ignorance of the world around her with the eagerness to find out more. This in turn complements the nigh-omniscient, yet human Harrow who makes it clear he knows what's going on, but not necessarily how to deal with it. Also, in my head he sounds exactly like Robert Stack despite his more youthful appearance. You're welcome.

Kristantina's art style is rough in the best possible way. It is appropriately harsh and sketchy around the edges, in the facial definitions, the folds of clothing and the craggy forest shadows. Like the story itself it creates alternating levels of serenity and tension, seamlessly transitioning from the scorched and scarred forest landscape to the unsettlingly peaceful glow of a cell phone in a dimly lit room. It's hard to get a full appreciation for Ben Wisonham's coloring, mainly because it's such a dark book. Literally, the whole thing takes place at night or in space, so get ready for some liberal use of black. This in turn creates some striking pages, like the effervescent blue hue of the earth transposed against the crimson red of a Soviet space module upon reentry. Kristantina's style lends itself perfectly to the hard-edged attitudes of the characters and the macabre elements of their investigations. It'll be fun to see what other ghoulish locales and creatures will be spawned from this art team as the series progresses.

Deep State #1 is content to reveal only the smallest slivers of the larger picture, almost teasingly so. Like Harrow himself, the book knows way more than you do and will reveal answers only when the time is right. Mixing the more whimsical parts of Men in Black with the most portentous grim of The X-Files and its kin, it's an engrossing debut issue. This isn't a story that's finding its feet; it's a story that's so deeply entrenched in the murky unseen ground it will knock you off of yours.

Alex Mansfield is a simple being. Born and raised in New York City, he has an appropriate fear of nature and an unyielding suspicion of small talk. All of his understanding of pop-culture and basic human interaction comes from comic books and The Simpsons because what else is there, really? Currently a writer and Assistant Editor for All-Comic.com, you can also follow him on twitter @focusedtotality

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