Dark Empty Void #1
Review
Writer: Zack Kaplan
Artist: Chris Shehan
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Release Date: September 11, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
With its blend of scientific concepts and deeply human themes, Dark Empty Void #1 delivers a sci-fi thriller that will surprise you in many ways. Be ready to get pulled in by a story with plenty of unique mysteries to unravel.
Dark Empty Void #1
ReviewWriter: Zack Kaplan
Artist: Chris Shehan
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Release Date: September 11, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
With its blend of scientific concepts and deeply human themes, Dark Empty Void #1 delivers a sci-fi thriller that will surprise you in many ways. Be ready to get pulled in by a story with plenty of unique mysteries to unravel.
I’ve got something special for this week! While plenty of my reviews lately have been of Image Comics titles, there are plenty of other indie publishers I’ve had my eye on this year. Among them is Mad Cave Studios, and I’ve had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of one of their most promising upcoming releases. Dark Empty Void is a new title by the super-talented writer Zack Kaplan, whose comics I’ve covered previously, and rising star artist Chris Shehan. Together, they’ve created a story that blends the horrors of the universe and the human condition into one intriguing sci-fi thriller.
Are you fascinated to learn more about this hot new comic? Then keep on reading for my full review of Dark Empty Void #1!
Overview of Dark Empty Void #1
Scientists figured out how to create and sustain a miniature black hole within a lab. But after losing control of it, the black hole unleashes a force that nearly tears the lab apart. Amidst all the chaos, a teenage girl gets spewed out from the black hole. She comes bearing a dangerous message for everyone there. To help piece together who the girl is, a depressed but brilliant psychologist must connect with her to solve the mystery of the black hole before it consumes everything.
Image: Mad Cave Studios
Review
With the sight of a raging black hole to open the comic, Dark Empty Void #1 pulls you in right from the jump. I came into the series completely blind but was immediately intrigued by how the foreboding opening monologue sets the tone against the striking visuals. Zack Kaplan is a writer who continues to impress with his distinct storytelling style. Dark Empty Void is similar to his other work, Beyond Real, in how its story uniquely blends fascinating scientific concepts with an exploration of the human condition. At first, you’d think the comic’s title refers to the terrifying nature of black holes. But as you get deeper into the story, it shows you there is a deeper and more personal reason behind the name. Even though this issue is a bit of a slow burn, it puts the pieces together by the end to set you up for a very compelling read.
Core to what makes this comic’s tale so fascinating is the characters. The protagonist, Joy, is complex in how she constantly shows moments of both immense strength and weakness. From her dark opening monologue to her interactions with the mysterious girl Artemis, this first issue does a fantastic job of setting Joy up as someone you want to see stand up to her demons. Beyond the mysteries about the black hole and Artemis to uncover, it feels like there is also plenty to learn about Joy and the emotional hardships she goes through. Top to bottom, this comic does a lot to get you intrigued about how all the different pieces fit together.
Image: Mad Cave StudiosFor a comic that boldly explores such complex ideas, the art team also does fantastic work bringing so much flair to the visuals. Artist Chris Shehan’s illustrations deliver a distinct otherworldliness to the cosmic visions shown throughout the comic. It makes seeing the black hole at the center of the story feel like such a unique and eye-catching event. The characters are also drawn with such expressiveness that it’s easy to pick up on the raw emotions of each scene. But the major standout for me in this comic is the coloring by Francesco Segala. I was blown away by how the colors beautifully dictated the mood and tone of the scenes, whether it was about showcasing the black hole’s power or building tension between Joy and Artemis. With this being just the start of the story, I’m hooked on seeing where things go next.
Image: Mad Cave Studios
Final Thoughts
As someone who does not get to read as many Mad Cave Studios releases, I was incredibly impressed by this first issue. Zack Kaplan, Chris Shehan, and the whole team did fantastic work getting me intrigued about this fascinating story from the get-go. Everything from the tragic backgrounds of the characters to the mystery gravitating around the black hole and Artemis, it already feels like there is so much to unravel here. I can’t wait to see what more there is to discover about this comic the deeper we get pulled into it. Sci-fi fans should keep an eye out for this one once it hits shelves in September.
Why You Should Read Dark Empty Void
- The story is a unique exploration of both scientific concepts and the human condition.
- There are plenty of mysteries about the story and characters to unravel.
- The art and colors bring to life a world that’s both terrifying and vibrant.