Graphic Novel Review: Resonant Vol. 1

The waves started a decade ago, and left the world a ravaged wasteland. Waves make you do unspeakable things. Whatever terrible thought you have during a wave; you do that thing, to yourself or to others. Paxton was already living in seclusion with his family when the first waves started. His family is self sufficient to a point; he must regularly venture in to what is left of civilization in order to get medicine for his chronically ill youngest child. It is never easy to leave his children, and now the waves are increasing again. Ambushed while seeking medication Paxton is captured and made to kill or be killed by a narcissistic madman named Honcho. The road back to his family just got a little more complicated.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys tales of the post apocalyptic. Yes it has all the trappings of titles of this kind; a nefarious cult, a selfish totalitarian leader, creepy religious people, a righteous hero of sorts and the myriad of desperate people roaming the countryside or setting up shaky communities. This titles has solid character development including a complicated sibling dynamic, rife with resentment and jealousy.

The writing is quite good but it is the scratchy and frenetic art work of Alejandro Aragon, amazing coloring by Jason Wordie with the lettering of Deron Bennett that sets this apart from the pack. The way the waves are drawn with the use of halftone, and bright coloring colored are chaotic, itchy and uncomfortable.  

A must have for any library collection. Definitely made for an adult audience, but acceptable for older teens.