What would it feel like to fall through time, to feel an inexplicable connection to a person whom you do not remember meeting, to try and convince an entire world that what sounds like madness is, in fact, the only truth that matters? “Trillium” #3 written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire does its best to answer those questions. Following Nika and William as they attempt to reunite with one another, Lemire forces the audience to consider the power of their connection and what these time-crossed lovers will mean for the course of human history.
Written & Illustrated by Jeff Lemire
After her mind-altering encounter with William, the wounded soldier from 1921, Nika is flung back to the far future, where she must face the repercussions of her actions. But will she be able to make sense of what’s happening to her in time to stop Earthlab’s genocide of the indigenous alien tribe? And can she find her way back to William?
The ever-changing format of “Trillium” invites readers to consider the obstacles that stand between William and Nika. The first issue of the series explored the division of space and time, separating the characters completely. Each character’s story was completely isolated and self-sustaining. In the second issue the barrier of language stood between the pair. In “Trillium” #3 context forms the divide.
Lemire explores the context of each character, introducing their histories and ideologies subtlety. In the first sequence of this issue, we are allowed to see one of Nika’s early memories. As her parents attempt to flee the destruction facing their planet, we are introduced to the threat facing humanity in her time. We learn that her family was separated just before we learn their eventual fates. Not only does this memory provide insight into this speculative history of mankind, it also illustrates Nika’s motivations and her reasons for investing herself so fully in her mission. William’s history is delivered even more subtly. As William argues with his brother Clay, it is revealed that after serving in the military during World War I, William suffered from a pronounced case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The argument between the brothers also reveals that William’s marriage is one of convenience and that the union is devoid of affection. As we learn more about the context of the characters we gain an understanding of the tremendous gulf between their realities.
In “Trillium” #3 format, dialogue, visuals and narrative come together to create a complete experience that reminds us of the true power of the sequential art format. Lemire’s concision and control touch every element of this title, creating a strong voice that is impossible to ignore. Reading this issue requires continually turning the book. In this way the work becomes kinetic in a literal way. Forcing readers to engage with the book physically allows each person to connect with the content on a level that is not usually associated with the act of reading. A double page spread near the end of this issue creates a vortex, a circular axis around which the action swirls. These pages invite readers to turn the book and see the symmetry of the characters experiences as they are lost in the chaos that they have stumbled upon. Manipulating the book creates an effect similar to vertigo. That dizziness that comes along with looking down from a great height, feeling a sensation of whirling and momentarily losing balance, is captured in this issue. Reading “Trillium” #3 forces the audience to carve their own path through the space and time that separates William and Nika.
Lemire’s artwork is emotive and expressive. The sketchiness of his rendering gives the impression that his characters are always in motion, twitching or fidgeting even when they are standing still. This animated quality makes the characters come to life.
Different color palettes are used to denote the distinct eras. This artistic choice helps to establish the tone of each time period. In Nika’s time, the colors are muted, and seem to have scorched quality. Oranges and browns against the sterile whites of the ship’s interior evoke a feeling of desolation. In sharp contrast, the rich night tones of William’s sequence are cool and lush. The humidity of the rainforest comes through with the same clarity as the aridness of the futuristic desert setting. The clear visual differences between the environments serve to further establish the separation between the characters.
Continued belowThe action in this issue is well choreographed and clear. This is especially true of Nika’s escape from her ship, which is carried out with a very articulate intensity. Her desperation comes through especially clearly because of the emotionally muted dialogue of her computer program. As she interacts with the program her controlled panic surfaces as a result of the unfluctuating tone of the device with which she is interacting. Comparing her language and actions to those of the technology creates a dynamic of tension within this portion of the story.
The connection between William and Nika has already changed them and the course of history for several, now interconnected, worlds. The figurative lightning bolt that hit them as they recognized one another struck with an immediacy and urgency that demanded actions. Now, to them the world seems mad, and they seem mad to their worlds. Their need for one another was cemented quickly and completely, and it has already changed everything. As the driving force of the series, the connection between Nika and William has been very well established. Part mystery, part schema their need for each other is believable and intriguing. As the characters fall, through space, through time and in love, we are invited to experience the disorienting journey with them.
Final Verdict: 8.4 – Let yourself fall for this series.
