Comic Review: Eve Stranger #1

Eve Stranger #1

IDW Publishing

Writer: David Barnett

Art: Philip Bond & Eva de la Cruz

Imagine you wake up in a luxury hotel room. No memory whatsoever of how you got there or even who you are. Your only clue is a letter left behind by yourself. Suddenly you have to start doing some crazy stuff and turns out you’re actually quite good at it. That’s the plot for Eve Stranger, new series from IDW’s publishing Black Crown.

The issue follows Eve Stranger, the protagonist, as she wakes up with her memory wiped. She starts to read a letter she wrote to herself explaining the situation. Someone attempts to murder her, but she manages to restrain them and call the police. Yet, when they arrive, there’s no one to be seen. She then tries to get her blood tested for a possible drug that might be in her system, only to realize there’s something more extraordinary in it. It’s also made clear that this is all routine to Eve. After that, she appears to come to terms with her life as it doesn’t seem that bad to have unlimited bank credit and kick-ass abilities and carries the mission that was left for her in an envelope. This chapter also introduces us to the E.V.E Project which seems to be Eve’s contractor and the project’s competition.

David Barnett’s writing is a treasure and this issue contributes to that feeling. He conducts the narration through Eve’s letter in dialogue boxes. That makes the narration close and personal to the protagonist and makes the reader relate to her in a heartbeat. Eve is shown to be a nice and gentle person despite her profession and daily life. Barnett also escapes the established narration naturally in order to expose the other pieces on the board (E.V.E. Project and competitors).

Philip Bond’s artwork, for this reviewer, reflects perfectly the character established by Barnett. A charming and adorable aspect to it in the heartwarming scenes and yet also realistic and aggressive when violence comes to play. Eva de la Cruz’ colors give Bond’s work an amazing compliment. Providing realistic lighting to every scene, la Cruz’ work sets the tone of what’s happening instantly being it either a childhood memory, which feels warm and comfortable or a one-woman raid in a warehouse full of armed man, using red to change the environment whenever shots are fired.

Eve Stranger #1 engages the action-filled story it promises to be. Taking it’s time to present all the elements in a charismatic manner this comic should be yet another great title by an incredibly creative and resourceful group of artists.