Put ‘Shutter’ in Your ‘Must-Read’ Pile

Shutter #1
Written by Joe Keatinge
Art by Leila Del Duca
Colors by Owen Gieni
Published by Image Comics

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WOW!

I know — such a clichéd way to start a comic review, but I cannot think of a more fitting word to describe Shutter issue 1. Creative synergy is bleeding out from this book’s very core. Every page was worth the cover price.

Keatinge weaved an interesting tale that is full of big ideas, but never forgets that character comes first. Kate Kristopher is the last of a long family line of explorers charting the very barriers of reality itself. As a child, Kate and her father have seen some of the most mind-blowing sights that humanity could witness. But in her adult life she has forsaken this life for something more mundane. A former author and now photographer, Kate is running away from her destiny and all signs point to something tragic that caused this. Kate’s dialogue feels naturalistic without feeling too rhythmic and her strengths and foibles make her such a likeable lead (and strong female leads are too rare for my liking). This weird and exciting New York that she lives in, full of aliens, centaurs and demons, who are just trying to catch a train to make it to work on time, is ripe for exploring.

Del Duca nailed every aspect of the art in this story. Her character acting was expressive, pacing was pitch-perfect and her layouts and backgrounds were surprisingly detailed for such a cartoony artist. Gieni is the only colorist whose work could have made such a beautiful marriage with Del Duca’s line art. Bright and expressive, they made a transition from a solemn visit to a deceased relative’s grave, to a fight with glowing ethereal ninja ghosts move just flawlessly.

This is a creative team to be applauded and a first issue to be read and re-read several times. Seat belt fastened — I’m along for this ride in its entirety. – 5 out of 5.