Let me get this out of the way. I know Andy Schmidt, I like Andy Schmidt, and I respect Andy Schmidt. His work at Comics Experience has helped me to develop as a comic creator. Now, that that's out of the way. I want to recommend Andy's new series(from IDW) called 5 days to die, which wraps up this week with issue 5.
The official description of 5 Days to Die is:
Upon surviving a terrible car accident, Ray is left a widower and his daughter is in critical condition. Believing this was a planned hit by the city’s drug lord he’s been pursuing, he must decide to track the killer or stay with his little girl. With a brain injury that leaves Ray less than a week to live, how will he decide to spend his last days on Earth?
But, there is so much more than that. Things may not always be what they appear. I won't give anymore details, lest I spoil some a major twist.
Upon surviving a terrible car accident, Ray is left a widower and his daughter is in critical condition. Believing this was a planned hit by the city’s drug lord he’s been pursuing, he must decide to track the killer or stay with his little girl. With a brain injury that leaves Ray less than a week to live, how will he decide to spend his last days on Earth?
But, there is so much more than that. Things may not always be what they appear. I won't give anymore details, lest I spoil some a major twist.
On the creative side, this book does some interesting things. First, as can be expected from someone who teaches comic writing,, the pacing is pretty near flawless. He draws you into the book with the first scene and keeps you running.
On the artistic front, Chee, the artist on the book, does not waste a single panel. Comics are a visual medium. As such, there is this concept known as "real estate", which basically refers to how well a creator fills the panels and the page. Big action scenes and major plot points get more real estate.; talking heads get considerably less. There is a perfect example of this concept in this series--a full page showing a shoot out. As the main character is highlighted in a center panel shooting, his opponents (and targets) surround him in blood shaped panels, which depict each hit.
There is also some creative use of coloring, which transcend the typical color artist technique. Rather than presenting each page in full color (like a traditional comic), color is used to create mood. As a creator, I know that this also saves money, but it also is very effective.
Andy's connections to the industry also show as the 5 issues feature covers by some of the biggest names in the industry.
David Finch for issue #1;
Michael Avon Oeming for issue #2;
Ben Templesmith on issue #3;
Gabriele Dell’Otto on #4; and
Pablo Raimondi is on this week's issue #5.
On the artistic front, Chee, the artist on the book, does not waste a single panel. Comics are a visual medium. As such, there is this concept known as "real estate", which basically refers to how well a creator fills the panels and the page. Big action scenes and major plot points get more real estate.; talking heads get considerably less. There is a perfect example of this concept in this series--a full page showing a shoot out. As the main character is highlighted in a center panel shooting, his opponents (and targets) surround him in blood shaped panels, which depict each hit.
There is also some creative use of coloring, which transcend the typical color artist technique. Rather than presenting each page in full color (like a traditional comic), color is used to create mood. As a creator, I know that this also saves money, but it also is very effective.
Andy's connections to the industry also show as the 5 issues feature covers by some of the biggest names in the industry.
David Finch for issue #1;
Michael Avon Oeming for issue #2;
Ben Templesmith on issue #3;
Gabriele Dell’Otto on #4; and
Pablo Raimondi is on this week's issue #5.
5 Days to Die has been coming out for the last 5 weeks (This month has five Wednesdays) so your local shop probably still has the whole series. If you are a wait for the trade person, Amazon is showing that the trade paperback will be released in December and is available for pre-order. (buying it through the below link helps this site.)
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