Read This! - Black Science (Vol. 1)

For those of you who don't know me, I've been into comics for several years.  I enjoy the great stories and artwork that can be found in comics, and I'm always quick to talk about my favourite writers and artists.  So, in partnership with my local comic shop, The Gauntlet Comics and Games, I will be presenting occasional reviews of various graphic novels for those who might be interested.  For my first edition of Read This!, we'll be looking at Black Science, published by Image Comics.

The first thing I noticed about this book was the artwork, by Matteo Scalera and Dean White.  The sharp, bright colours against dark backgrounds draw you into a world that looks like some kind of nightmarish black-light poster.  Additionally, the sketchy panel outlines and light ink spatters reinforce the feeling of a world that's slowly disintegrating, which ties in excellently with Rick Remender's story.
The story follows the adventures of one Grant McKay, founder of a group of anarchist scientists who are working on interdimensional travel and exploration.  Unfortunately, as often happens in these kind of stories, something goes horribly wrong, and it's up to Grant and his team to get back home safely, and keep his children safe.  As the story progresses, they travel from world to world, encountering numerous dangers while also trying to uncover which member of the team sabotaged their mission.  Various flashbacks provide context of the relationships of the characters as well as possible clues to who the traitor is.
This comic uses some of the best elements of pulp sci-fi, while still keeping things original.  For instance, one of the worlds the team encounters early on is populated by German World War I soldiers in the middle of a battle with a technologically advanced tribe of Native Americans.  There are also all manner of futuristic equipment and strange life forms to feast your eyes on.
While Black Science draws on pulp influences, it isn't so clear-cut as far as good and evil.  Just about every character in this comic (minus the kids) has reasons for what they're doing.  It's entirely in the eye of the reader as to whose decisions are right or wrong.  The fact that each character is still three-dimensional and sympathetic even in such moral grey areas is a testament to the writing ability of Rick Remender.  Even when you think a character is making the worst decisions possible, you can understand them, or even identify with their logic.
I won't go into details of the ending, but I will only say it left me wanting more.  Black Science gives us a very interesting look at ideology and personal choice against an incredibly vibrant, endless canvas of sci-fi worlds.  If you're getting bored with typical good vs. evil superhero books, but still want a bit of fun in your comics, Black Science is a great place to start.