The tension escalates in “Roche Limit: Clandestiny” #3, with space adventure colliding with philosophical queries in the best issue of the miniseries so far. Writer Michael Moreci, artist Kyle Charles, and colorist Matt Battaglia work in unison to evoke feelings of unease and suspense.
Written by Michael Moreci
Illustrated by Kyle CharlesCan the android Danny be trusted?
The intrepid explorers of the planet Dispater must not only confront physical obstacles on a strange planet, but also the weight of their deepest desires in “Roche Limit: Clandestiny” #3. They must wrestle with not knowing the reasons behind their mission and the possibility that deception and unwanted surprises lie ahead. Science fiction and existential queries come together in a fascinating and natural way, with art and colors that are just as exciting and expressive as the script.
Michal Moreci has been slowly and effectively revealing the personalities and motivations of his characters in previous chapters and, in this issue, brings them to life in subtle and impactful ways. We understand these characters with their insecurities, potential inner strength, perseverance, and the dark recesses of their minds bubbling beneath the surface of the story. Flawed characters amplify the humanity in “Roche Limit: Clandestiny” and this issue continues to demonstrate that Moreci understands that which makes great science fiction. By becoming invested in these very real characters (as well as an artificial intelligence named Danny), the story becomes more than your typical genre piece lacking heart. The emotional is given just as much attention as the intellectual.
The desolate expanse of Dispater is expressed in Kyle Charles’ art through such simple backgrounds as rocky terrain and a hazy, starless sky. As the issue progresses, the emptiness of the characters’ surroundings becomes more intense through Charles’ depiction of a place teeming with suspense and a sense of dread. There is undoubtedly more to this planet than what these explorers can simply observe with their eyes. Every nook and cranny conceals not just horrific physical obstacles, but the horrors and seemingly unattainable hopes that lie within every human’s subconscious. Charles, working in tandem with Moreci, is able to convey the horror of the unseen just as effectively as that which is seen.
That which is seen, however, can be wince-inducing. There is one particular splash page that will cause you to gasp in sympathy because of the creative way that pain has been inflicted upon one individual. The surreal nature of that splash page, as well as other scenes throughout, give the issue an appropriate aura of being dropped within a classic episode of “The Twilight Zone.” Just as Moreci has the characters question what they are actually witnessing, we also wonder what truth lies beneath this planet. Charles’ ability to convey a dreamlike world is beautifully in sync with Moreci’s creepy tale. Anxiety pulsates on every page.
I’m not downgrading the accomplishment and subtlety of Charles’ art, but Matt Battaglia’s colors instantly seize the spotlight beginning with page one of “Roche Limit: Clandestiny” #1. The first words spoken in the issue are, “I don’t know what’s real” as two of the explorers look toward what appears to be a roiling, fiery yellow sun and a sky colored various muted shades of purple. Battaglia liberally utilizes the color purple in a breathtakingly effective way that imbues this planet with its sense of dread and secrets. Purple may not be the expected color palette, yet it is a relevant choice when paired with story and art.
As the issue progresses, the purple coloring becomes more otherworldly and jarring. Battaglia’s ability to build tension and chaos with color is a demonstration of a master colorist. He conveys not only mood with his colors, but story as well. Great colorists are able to evince as much power and emotion on the page as a writer or artist and Battaglia is undoubtedly one of those colorists. During a hallucination, Battaglia colors a beast and its surroundings with vibrant, almost neon, colors of blue, green, and purple. The colors all swirl together and are lit up like a dream or illusion. The questioning of reality even bleeds into the colors.
“Roche Limit: Clandestiny” #3 compels us readers to question reality and the idea of humanity’s impurity. What is the meaning of purity and is anyone truly pure? Moreci poses philosophical questions with his script that deal with both the cerebral and the emotional. Charles and Battaglia understand the discussions that Moreci is attempting to instigate and they bring the characters’ quest to vibrant fruition. Moreci continues to impress and surprise with the direction he’s taking this story and characters that reflect all of our deepest and sometimes basest desires.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – “Roche Limit: Clandestiny” #3 is a turning point for this miniseries, with a first-rate creative team that work in tandem with remarkable ease and skill.
