Posted in: Boom, Comics, Comics Publishers, Review | Tagged: al ewing, boom studios, comic book reviews, We Only Find Them When They're Dead

We Only Find Them When They're Dead #1 Review: Worth Your Time

Published Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:00:04 -0500

by Hannibal Tabu

Comments

Strap in for We Only Find Them When They're Dead #1, an interesting science fiction concept from skillful experts in the field. In the 24th century, humanity has found its way deep into the stars. To strip the spaceways of every possible resource in their continued and almost locust-like spread through the galaxy. Things looked dire until they began to discover "gods." Imagine bigger versions of the Celestials from Marvel Comics, armored and photogenic giants adrift in space, unmoving and unliving. Now, under the regulation of the rare but lethal escort ships, swarms of autopsy ships chop up these titanic corpses into resources that can be traded and used in industry and trade.

We Only Find Them When They're Dead #1 Review: Worth Your Time — The cover of We Only Find Them When They're Dead #1. Credit: Boom! Studios

Captain Georges Malik is at least a third-generation spacefarer, making a living off of the gigantic dead. He shares a ship with his decently fleshed out crew — a "coroner" who manipulates a gigantic space scalpel, a "quartermaster" in charge of what comes on to the ship, and an "engineer" to make it all work. They live a life under extreme scrutiny and extreme danger, and they know this community of scavengers intimately.

Al Ewing's sparse script is very effective in establishing the clipped and taciturn tone of the people here. The artwork from Simone Di Meo is dreamy but crisp, while the colors of Mariasara Miotti are used to distinguish characters and establish mood effectively. Likewise, the AndWorld Design lettering also does a lot to differentiate the tension-creating sounds, dialogue, and the overarching monologue.

Despite the solicitations, this also shares creative DNA with Zoohunters and Sea of Stars in terms of the atmosphere and vibe, which is definitely a good thing. There's a fantastic hook in the third act, great and subtle characterization for the crew, and a crystal clear understanding of the stakes. This is moody, enjoyable science fiction that's well worth your time. RATING: BUY.

We Only Find Them When They're Dead #1

By Al Ewing, Simone Di Meo

* For fans of Decorum and Something is Killing the Children comes a new sci-fi epic from Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk) and Simone Di Meo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) on the edge of space where humanity is harvesting the corpses of giant alien gods to survive.

* No one has ever seen a living god, but Captain Malik is obsessed with being the first.

* Captain Malik and the crew of the Vihaan II harvest the only resources that matter from the giant corpses of alien gods found on the edge of human space. While other autopsy ships race to salvage the meat, minerals, and metals that sustain the human race, Malik sees an opportunity to finally break free from this system.

* But Malik's obsession with the gods will push his crew into the darkest reaches of space, bringing them face to face with a threat unlike anything they've ever imagined – unless the rogue agent on their trail can stop them first …

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!