they're not like us #7 Reviews 

The Band Gets Back Together In “They’re Not Like Us” #7 [Review]

By | August 27th, 2015
Posted in Reviews | % Comments

“They’re Not Like Us” offered one of the most interesting twists on teenagers with superpowers with its first art. The series returns this week with a new status quo but the same angst as always. Read on for our spoiler free review.

Written by Eric Stephenson
Illustrated Simon Gane and Jordie Bellaire

NEW STORY ARC
Issue Seven: Going Underground

“They’re Not Like Us” was not something I immediately connected with when it first came out. It wasn’t until the first arc was collected that I really got into the story being told. “They’re Not Like Us” draws comparisons to The X-Men and it’s not without merit. One of the biggest differences here is that it doesn’t aim to make anyone a superhero. Instead it’s a much more angst filled and cynical approach to what would happen if people had abilities or superpowers.

The second arc kicks off a month after the first arc ended. The kids have moved out of The Voice’s house, taken his money and are reclaiming their lives. Tabitha (Syd) has used her powers to give back the names of everyone, something The Voice took away. Now they’re looking to make their own way through the world but that’s precisely where the issue loses a little extra something.

“They’re Not Like Us” #7 doesn’t have a lot going on, which makes a certain amount of sense to an extent but it does make the issue a little rough. By this point, Stephenson has a great grasp on these characters and their voices. The dialogue isn’t overly wordy and it doesn’t feel older or younger than these kids ages. Tabitha in particular has grown as a character by going from angry and slightly entitled to a seemingly capable leader who isn’t going to do the things that The Voice did. When approached with a situation involving Dawn, she does something that is evident of her growth and it positions her as the leader within this group very quickly.

However, the biggest conflict is the one conversation with Dawn where an interesting secret comes out. This series is playing a long game, which is fine since that’s the nature of American comics, but it’s tough when there’s not a ton happening month to month. What this issue did do though was offer something a bit more accessible than most Image series. You’ll have questions but it’s feasible that you could jump into the series here and understand enough. The Voice is talked about, what happened to Dawn is discussed and most of the group’s powers are shown. The ending, without spoiling it, is well executed and does enough to keep me from trade waiting the series.

Simon Gane’s art is the strongest aspect of this issue. This issue, like the whole series so far, is reliant on the character interactions. There isn’t much action but Gane finds beauty in “talking heads”. The characters are so well designed with great detailing on not just the clothing but also in the setting. The home the kids are at is fully realized due to nooks and crannies on the walls and peeling paint. The character expressions are absurdly good and breathe life into this very quiet issue. Tabitha and Dawn’s conversation is a highly emotional one and it succeeds in conveying that thanks to the way Gane illustrates it. Tabitha jumps from concerned to angry to nurturing seamlessly. The kids’ personalities are starting to come through nicely thanks to the clothing and hairstyle choices. Shirt buttons, belt loops and sneakers are all designed to a tee and it’s really great work overall by Gane. Bellaire’s colors are equally as good and I love the brightness and light she breathes into the book. She too is just as finely detailed with her colors as each kid has a specific color scheme that almost coordinates to their personality. For example, Dawn’s hair and her shirt are colored with very light colors making her look waif like and that matches with her fragile state of mind. It’s things like this that keep Bellaire at the top of the mountain as far as colorists go.

“They’re Not Like Us” #7 is a slow issue but does progress the story nicely, however Gane and Bellaire’s artistic collaboration is the highlight of the issue. While this isn’t the strongest issue the series has seen, there’s a lot of potential for where things go and I expect, like the first arc, that once things get going, it’ll be unforgettable.

Final Verdict: 7.0 – Not the strongest issue story wise but the art is fantastic.


Jess Camacho

Jess is from New Jersey. She loves comic books, pizza, wrestling and the Mets. She can be seen talking comics here and at Geeked Out Nation. Follow her on Twitter @JessCamNJ for the hottest pro wrestling takes.

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