The Mammoth #1: The Many Threads of Mystery
Creative Team
writer: PAUL TOBIN
artist: ARJUNA SUSINI
colorist: PIPPA BOWLAND
letterer: CHARLES PRITCHETT
publisher: MAD CAVE STUDIOS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
The Mammoth #1 is mystery drama that sets up an impressive foundation of paranormal anomalies and challenges what scientists believe is possible.
Jess, Kokoro, and Mason are geological researchers in mourning over the loss of their friend Olivia after a rare seismic event collapses a house on her. While the valley has a history of unique events, there may be something unnatural behind it all.
Writer Paul Tobin makes full use of every page, providing the reader with a strong set up for this series. From the individuality of the characters to the larger mystery behind what is manipulating Broke Tree Valley, this fast-paced issue creates many plot points readers will likely want to explore further.
In addition to the strong writing, the art by Arjuna Susini and colors by Pippa Bowland are excellent and enhance the dialogue-centered issue with panel designs and color palettes that cover a range of tones including as disasters, flashbacks, or intimate conversations between friends over drinks. While conversations are the source of tension in this story, luckily it isn’t overdone and letterer Charles Pritchett does a great job at guiding the reader while balancing the art in the panels.
Part of this story is the topic of managing loss and the other is the reluctance to accept unexplainable phenomena may be a result of something more elemental. Readers who pick up this issue will likely appreciate how the various plot points are unraveling. However, with such a strong set up, much will depend on how the story develops in future installments.
Final Verdict
This unique mystery is definitely a page turner and is sure to hook readers. The entire creative team not only tells an interesting story, but makes great use of every page with its story and art.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.5 |
| Story/Plot | 8.75 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.0 |
| Colors | 9.0 |
| Final Score | 9.1/10 |