From Friendo to These Savage Shores to Test, Vault Comics have been one of our favourite publishers this year, with each and every new title deserving our attention. This time check out Resonant #1, which tells of one young girl’s mission to protect her siblings while their father, Paxton, travels for help in a deadly future.

Publisher: Vault Comics
Writer: David Andry
Artist: Alejandro Aragon (Artist), Jason Wordie (Colorist), Deron Bennett (Letterer)
Price: £2.49/$3.99 at Comixology

The first issue of Resonant introduces us to the story of Bec, a young woman currently in hiding at a cabin in the woods with her father and two brothers from a deadly and unknown danger known as ‘the waves’ which passes through periodically. However, when supplies start getting low, Bec’s father Paxton decides that he has no choice but to leave and seek help. Therefore, leaving his daughter in charge and a handful of Chirpers in his pocket as an early warning, Paxton sets off. However, what was hoping to be a quick and relatively straightforward trip goes awry when the waves hit…

David Andry has produced a stellar story within the pages of Resonant, with a tale that is so immensely engrossing that you find yourself struggling to look away until the end. Andry appears to have placed incredible levels of thought into every aspect of his tale and the world it is unfolding in, from the incredibly realistic feeling family dynamic to the Chirpers and the rules surrounding these mysterious waves. Throughout reading, Resonant feels like a cross between many of the best apocalyptic comics around, such as The Kill Screen, the Walking Dead and The XII: The Father to name but a few. However, this in no way makes it a cheap knock off, as Andry has imbued the title with so much heart and mystery, especially in regards to what the Waves are, why the Chirpers are important and many other questions, that he’s done what every writer wants from their story, to give convincing reasons for readers to return.

Of course, the artistic team of Alejandro Aragon, Jason Wordie and Deron Bennett offer equally impressive work to enhance this title. In fact, Aragon’s european-esque looking artwork is fantastic and really conveys a lot of the story in a very unique fashion. This is best scene in the family conversations early in the story which, while looking at bit rough in terms of facial features, seems to portray the emotion from the scene a lot better than many comics with cleaner lines. There is also a later scene involving a host of abandoned vehicles that Paxton chances upon which Aragon and colorist Jason Wordie have made to look hauntingly beautiful. Indeed, Wordie’s work deserves equal praise, especially later with the reveal of a new character where his colors provides a rather threatening demeanour.

Then, finally, there is Deron Bennett’s letters which are clear and easy to read throughout, which in itself is proof of a great letterer when his work is not even noticed (they are, along with editors, the unsung heroes of comic making). However, his sound effects at the end are incredibly set out, offering a sense of impending urgency which only adds to the enjoyment from all the mystery the reader has been introduced to.

As was said at the beginning of this review, Vault Comics has been belting out not just lots of titles but lots of great titles. However, with Resonant, Vault Comics may have one of the biggest jewels in their rather full crown as Andry, Aragon and co. imbue this book with a deep sense of intrigue and beauty which quickly becomes horrific and terrifying, but either way will be incredibly captivating for readers, who’ll be wanting more by the end.