The Fade #1: Adventures and Anxieties
Creative Team
writer: AABRIA IYENGAR
artist: MARI COSTA
colorist: ANGEL DEL SANTIAGO
letterer: JIM CAMPBELL
publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
The Fade #1 is a fun twist on coming-of-age stories blended with high fantasy.
Jeannie, a first-year college student, spends her days stressing about school, social life, and keeping her daydreams in check. When she discovers a trend allowing people to escape into “The Fade” while sleeping, her wish for fantasy adventures feels closer than ever.
This issue begins with stories of grand experiences in a land known as “The Fade” as the story’s hero, Jeannie, realizes she is both needing to do homework and grab something to eat. It’s a fun dual introduction to the land of “The Fade” and to Jeannie and sets a nice tone for the overall story.
From there, readers get insight into Jeannie’s family, her close friend Arno (a boy whose role in Jeannie’s life is a bit confusing) and finally her stresses as she adjusts to being in college.
While much of the issue is based around little moments, the script keeps readers engaged and entertained as Jeannie’s personality jumps off of the page. This is partly from writer Aabria Iyengar whose narrative design is full of chuckles, and illustrator Mari Costa whose style balances being cartoonish and exaggerated in emotional reactions at all the right times. Iyengar and Costa make a strong duo for this story and the witty and sarcastic remarks from Jeannie combined with moments of big eyes or blank stares are fun throughout the experience.
As a premiere issue, there is a lot to enjoy and Jeannie is a fun protagonist to follow. This story gives a lighthearted vibe with its colors from Angel Del Santiago while also giving space for implied complex feelings that come with being a young adult figuring out life. This gives the story moments to breathe without overshadowing from the adventure that is to come.
Final Verdict
The Fade is an infectiously fun and lighthearted story that blends adventures and anxieties in the coziest of ways. From the bright and colorful art to the fun cast of characters, this issue is a joy to experience.The Fade is an infectiously fun and lighthearted story that blends adventures and anxieties in the coziest of ways. From the bright and colorful art to the fun cast of characters, this issue is a joy to experience.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 8.8 |
| Story/Plot | 9.3 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.5 |
| Colors | 9.5 |
| Final Score | 9.3/10 |