W0rldtr33 #6
Review
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Fernando Blanco
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: December 26, 2023
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
W0rldtr33 starts its second story arc slowly to introduce readers to new characters and tease intriguing story threads to come. Even with an issue that’s very light on horror, the series is as captivating as ever as it builds up its eerie, post-Internet world.
W0rldtr33 #6
ReviewWriter: James Tynion IV
Artist: Fernando Blanco
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: December 26, 2023
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
W0rldtr33 starts its second story arc slowly to introduce readers to new characters and tease intriguing story threads to come. Even with an issue that’s very light on horror, the series is as captivating as ever as it builds up its eerie, post-Internet world.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a comic book creator with a bigger 2023 than James Tynion IV. With comics published by Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, and Dark Horse Comics, Tynion is one the most prolific comic book writers today. Yet, with so many great comics to choose from, my runaway favorite of his this year is easily the W0rldtr33 series. Psychological horror with a techno-hacker twist? I was hooked right from the jump. Now that the series is already back with its second story arc, it’s a testament to Tynion showing no signs of slowing down his work rate anytime soon.
Want to know more about what’s going on in the mysterious story of W0rldtr33? Read on for my review of issue #6!
Image: Image ComicsOverview
The world picks up the pieces after most of the Internet got shut down by Gabriel. While brilliant but mysterious minds meet to figure out the next steps to fix things, PH34R continues her path of chaos in the shadows. Meanwhile, Agent Silk mourns her fallen partner and then meets someone extending a helping hand. With the world still reeling from the violent events caused by the Undernet’s influence, it’s hard to say if anything will ever truly be “normal” again.
Review
W0rldtr33 #6 is a very interesting issue, but not in the ways you’d expect. After the first story arc’s crazy finale, this latest issue slows things down to establish a new status quo and introduces us to a bunch of new characters. From the thuggish Vicky linking up with Agent Silk to Ellison’s mysterious sister Azzy making her presence known, all these new faces bring something intriguing into the fold. If anything, this latest issue feels like a new season premiere of a TV show with how it suddenly throws new characters into the mix. But this narrative decision does come with some pros and cons. On one hand, it’s great seeing fresh faces add new story threads to follow. However, with the introduction of so many new characters, there is a noticeable lack of continuity regarding the rest of Gabriel’s team of hackers. Apart from Ellison and Fausta, there is hardly any word about what’s going on with Yoshi, Amanda, and Darren. We can only wait and see how the crew fits into everything down the line. It will be interesting to see how the story balances the growing cast and storylines as it moves toward the dark future teased in issue #5.
Image: Image ComicsWhat I find most intriguing about this issue is how it subtly builds up its world that’s adjusting to life without the Internet. Whether it's characters frustrated or elated by disconnecting from the grid, there’s a sense of disarray that you can tell that’s happening in the background. This is where the comic feels the most like a very twisted episode of Black Mirror. As absurd as it seems to imagine a modern world without the Internet and access to vast amounts of technology, it’s a haunting scenario to imagine because of how plausible it feels (barring the existence of naked ghost ladies). Exploring more of this disconnected world seems to be the story’s direction for the new arc, and I am excited to see the twists and turns that come out of it.
For an issue that’s less about spooks and more focused on characters and world-building, the art on display by the team of Fernando Blanco and Jordie Bellaire is still incredibly captivating. Blanco shines at sequencing the moments of each scene, making character designs pop, and bringing out emotions through detailed character expressions. Then Bellaire kills it with her coloring, as usual. While the issue lacks overt scares and disturbing moments, the color work maintains a distinct eeriness that makes the entire issue feel so fascinating to follow.
Image: Image ComicsFinal Thoughts
As much as I adore this series’ fascinating horror premise, this issue shows that it does not need to rely on scares to tell an engrossing story. After all, this is just the first issue of a new story arc. Coming from what we’ve seen from the series so far, I believe we’re on course to seeing the most twisted events of the story yet. While some may be disappointed in the lack of overt horror here, this issue does what it needs to set up the players and plot points for the thrilling story to come. With its disturbing undertones and sleek techno-horror aesthetics, W0rldtr33 is still an absolute must-read comic for horror lovers out there.
Why You Should Read W0rldtr33
- The art team of Fernando Blanco and Jordie Bellaire deliver stellar work.
- This issue sets up plenty of new characters and storylines for the new arc.
- The technology/Internet-depraved world is an intriguing setting for the developing story.