The Moon is Following Us #1 [Advance Review]
Daniel Warren Johnson (DWJ) has done it again. The Moon is Following Us is his latest venture, bringing his distinctive narrative style and emotional depth to a new creator-owned series. As a long-time fan, I might be biased, but can you blame me? DWJ has consistently delivered masterpieces, from Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star to the heart-wrenching Murder Falcon, his homage to professional wrestling with Do A Powerbomb, and most recently, his monumental work on the Transformers reboot under the Image Comics Energon Universe. DWJ's unique visual flair and emotionally charged storytelling make him a standout creator in the comics world, and his latest project is no exception.
In The Moon is Following Us, we are thrust into the lives of Duncan and Samantha, parents on a desperate mission to save their daughter in an alien, dystopian landscape. The nature of their daughter's peril remains a mystery, but the palpable tension between Sam and Duncan drives the narrative forward. As they seek an exchange for weapons to arm themselves for an impending battle, they face betrayal and must escape with the help of a few allies. The story's crescendo builds to a compelling twist, one that doesn’t necessarily lower the stakes but throws a narrative curveball: one that DWJ has perfected in his many years of story pitching.
DWJ's knack for starting stories in medias res is evident here. The kickoff for The Moon is Following Us feels like dropping into the middle of an operation without a full briefing. The rapid introduction of characters and stakes is masterfully handled, ensuring readers are instantly hooked without feeling overwhelmed. The foreign and unique world inhabited by Sam and Duncan adds layers of intrigue, making readers curious about the world's lore and history, even as the action unfolds at a breakneck pace.
The artistic collaboration between Riley Rossmo and DWJ is nothing short of spectacular. Their combined efforts create a unified and textured visual style that enhances the storytelling. Detailed facial expressions and richly rendered background elements add depth and emotion to each panel. The dynamic composition, with varied perspectives and angles, injects a sense of movement and urgency, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The vibrant color palette is meticulously chosen, setting the tone for each scene and amplifying the story's emotional impact.
Character designs are another highlight, with distinct costumes and features that make each character memorable and expressive. The use of shadows and lighting adds a cinematic quality to the visuals, creating an immersive experience that draws readers deeper into the narrative. The smooth transitions between panels ensure a coherent flow, making it easy to follow the fast-paced action and complex emotional beats.
The Moon is Following Us is slated for a ten-issue run, and I, for one, am thrilled. This extended runway gives DWJ the space to craft a nuanced and emotionally rich narrative, something he's proven adept at in his previous works. With Rossmo's artistic prowess complementing DWJ's own illustrations and storytelling, this series promises to be a standout addition to the 2024 comic book landscape.
Mark your calendars for September 18, 2024, and keep an eye on your local comic shop. The Moon is Following Us is shaping up to be another hit from DWJ, blending his signature emotional depth with a gripping narrative and stunning visuals. If you're a fan of DWJ's previous work or just looking for a new series to get lost in, this comic is a must-read.
