APPROBATION COMICS
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITORS: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. / $1.99 digital-comic (2018; digital release date – October 31, 2018)
Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only (comiXology)
Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries published by Approbation Comics. It tells the story of Marcus Wright, a young man who visits an oceanic research facility directed by his childhood friend, Anton Parker, who has a business deal to offer Marcus. The facility has captured a mermaid-like creature, and Marcus finds himself caught in the mystery of this creature and of its captivity. Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.
As Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 opens, Marcus tells Anton that he is going scuba diving in order to visit “The Gardens.” These are underwater pods that contain hydroponic gardens. Anton is against this, as he is increasingly paranoid about “Becca,” the name Marcus has given the mermaid. Marcus is playing a dangerous game, as Anton and Becca each see a different side of him. As his friend and the mermaid make their final plays, Marcus himself has to survive his own dangerous game.
The first three issues of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions are some of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date, and four does not turn out to be the ugly duckling of the bunch. Artists Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz have produced some pretty cover art for this series, using gorgeous illustrations and shimmering colors. Their cover for Surfacing: Depth Perceptions takes a dark turn, as beauty gives way to a striking image that encapsulates the violent resolution to this series.
The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin has been consistently good with solid storytelling that keeps the shifting moods of this narrative blending. Colorist Santtos delivers stellar work the second half of this issue, creating an atmosphere that moves from apocalypse to paradise. The lettering by Krugos conveys this double-size issue's sudden resolution and its expectations for a hopeful future.
Writer B. Alex Thompson presents an ending that readers of this series would expect, with a twist or two and some back story. One of the best writers of naturalistic dialogue in American comic books, Thompson lets the characters play out this drama in their own words. Yes, we do get a killer ending, and it was quite exciting, but this finale is also thoughtful.
Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 gives us an excellent ending to an excellent comic book series. So, dear readers, head over to comiXology to read the entire thing.
9 out of 10
Buy Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 at comiXology.
www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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