Sex Death Revolution #1 Builds A World Of Magic Without Overburdening It
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Also, here’s a disclaimer: the awesome editor of Comicon.com, Hannah Means-Shannon, is also the editor of Sex Death Revolution #1. That will not affect my evaluation of the comic in any way.
Esperanza and Shannon are a pair of witches, but their coven just fell apart. Esperanza wants to start a new coven with some of the former members, but they’re unwilling to work with her again. This leaves Esperanza confused, as she is sure that things ended well with the other members–with the exception of the leader, Annie. Things get weirder, and it drives a wedge between the romance of Esperanza and Shannon.
Sex Death Revolution #1 sets up a compellingly grounded universe for its world of witches, wizards, and magic. Instead of setting up a massive mythic superstructure dedicated to explaining how magic has existed in the world, the existence of magic orders, and an implicitly expansive system to explain it all, Sex Death Revolution #1 sets up relationships, a small coven of friends, and simple rules to the magic.
This is important, as it’s not overwhelming to the reader. Sex Death Revolution may set up something larger in scope later on, but it will have (hopefully) earned it more by then.
Plus, clandestine magic orders with wealth and affluence spread across the globe are kind of done to death in comics, so something more personal and intimate is refreshing.
It also must be said that Esperanza’s story of transitioning woven into the background narrative is incorporated very well. It also adds more weight to the story, giving it even more of a personal touch.
Becca Farrow’s artwork is is elegant, expressive, and downright gorgeous. The characters each have unique styles and visual designs that say a lot about them as people.The lines and are very clean and add to the realistic and grounded tone of the book. Harry Saxon’s color work contrasts very pale shades with darker clothing and textures, and it suits the book very well.
Sex Death Revolution #1 is another great comic from writer Magdalene Visaggio. The characters are compelling, the story is interesting, and the art team delivers some damn good visuals. This one earns a recommendation with ease. Check it out.
Sex Death Revolution #1 comes to us from Black Mask Studios, writer Magdalene Visaggio, artist Becca Farrow, color artist Harry Saxon, letterer Zakk Saam, and cover artist Kiki Jenkins.