Dark Empty Void# 1: What We Let Enter
Creative Team
writer: ZACK KAPLAN
artist: CHRIS SHEHAN
colorist: FRANCESCO SEGALA
letterer: JUSTIN BIRCH
publisher: MAD CAVE STUDIOS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
Dark Empty Void #1 presents a gripping sci-fi thriller where the human psyche and cosmic forces intertwine.
When psychologist Dr. Joy Frank receives a call from her estranged husband, she is summoned to a secret facility where space anomalies are studied. Perplexed as to why she is present, Dr. Joy Frank learns that a black hole has been opened on earth and something—or someone—may have entered.
Pacing for a premiere issue is everything. In the case of Dark Empty Void, writer Zack Kaplan proves time and time again that he has mastered how to hook readers in 24 pages or less.
This series debut begins with a clever voiceover of Dr. Joy Frank giving a lecture on depression as images of a black hole tear open to an unprepared group of scientists. This similarity is visually striking thanks to the art from Chris Shehan and colors by Francesco Segala, and it’s this type of cleverness that gives a unique element to the overall narrative.
Lettered by Justin Birch, the script from Kaplan builds tension between characters in their dialogue without overwhelming the reader with text. Birch’s placement and natural break in sentences also add a more conversational style to a comic book where dialogue is critical. It also helps that the style from Shenan and the panel design focuses well on what readers need to pay attention to such as subtle expressions in close ups of characters or grand wide shots and details of an underground facility.
This story has a lot of potential with where it can go and by the end of the issue it’s clear the tone of drama between distant spouses may be overshadowed by the ominous threats of what has and what could come through the open void.
Final Verdict
This series premiere draws readers in with its captivating narrative, slowly pulling them in until the third act grabs hold, leaving no escape. Dark Empty Void is sharply written and beautifully illustrated.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.0 |
| Story/Plot | 9.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.0 |
| Colors | 9.75 |
| Final Score | 9.3/10 |