Review: ‘The Author Immortal’ #1 Has A Decent Beginning

Writer Frank J. Barbiere creates an arguably entertaining script. The dialogue is definitely fitting for the characters, and reads as realistic. However, there is one real problem with the characterization. This problem is that one character is extremely close crossing the line between being a fictional analogue and just being the inspiration. If Barberie is not careful, this could present some real world problems for the comic, its creators, and Image Comics. Fortunately, the inspirations for the rest of the cast are not as transparent. Lastly, the ongoing plot seems both set up and yet still needing setting up by issue’s end.

Artist Morgan Beem and designer Sasha E. Head both come up with brilliant designs. Presumably, the non-story pages are Head’s work alone. Whatever the case may be, there is some great photo negative type art on display on these pages. When it comes to the story pages, Beem does a great job with subtle suggestions of movement. Beem utilizes shapes to create interesting bodies for the characters. This creates a sense realism similar in manner to that of the Arthur children’s book series by author and illustrator Marc Brown (Arthur’s Nose [1976]). It is worth mention that depending on one’s viewpoint both the non-story and story pages may evoke the horror and fantasy genres.

Letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou is personally not someone this reviewer often finds fitting well with various art styles. This only means that from this reviewer’s previous experiences, and own opinion, Otsmane-Elhaou’s work seems to often not work well with certain styles. Yet, it is this reviewer’s personal and professional opinion that Otsmane-Elhaou’s unique lettering fits well with Beem’s and Head’s visuals. Thus, creators with more of an independent and uncommon visual styles might find his lettering to be more than suitable for their future endeavors. If one is not appreciative of his past work on more mainstream style art, they should give him another chance here.

The various covers are by Morgan Beem and artists Yuko Shimizu, Sweeney Boo, Zak Hartong, Jorge Corona. Colorists Sarah Stern and Lauren Affe assist Corona with the application of hues on two respective covers. Hartong’s cover is apparently not currently able to see online. Because of that fact it seems unfair to this reviewer to really review the covers for this issue. However, it is worth mentioning that all the other covers are at least eye-catching.

The Author Immortal #1 sees release from Image Comics on October 1st.