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Umbra #1
Book Released: 14 June 2006
Review posted: 26 June 2006
Writer: Murphy
Artist: Mike Hawthorne
Publisher: Image Comics
4.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Adam White
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Why did I pick up Umbra #1? I didn’t know the creators, knew next to nothing about the series, and am on a
tight budget; however, I read a blurb or two on the series and saw it takes place in Iceland (of which I have a random
fascination with) so I got it anyway. Turns out that was a good decision because Umbra is an interestingly unique
mystery with entertaining characters.
Murphy concocts a mystery that avoids many of the generic ideas found in a lot of current mysteries and stands out as a
carefully crafted conundrum. I won’t spoil any of it here, but I will say that I am intrigued
Murphy concocts a carefully crafted conundrum that avoids many of the generic ideas found in a lot
of current mysteries.
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by how the story will play out because Murphy dropped some pretty diverse clues throughout the issue that seem impossible to
be true. The characters are all compelling, although the main problem I had with Umbra is that the characters are
supposed to be Icelandic yet their dialogue is distinctly American. There is also a lesbian relationship between two
characters that, while there is nothing wrong with portraying such a relationship, seems pretty random in the context of the
story. Otherwise it was a thoroughly enjoyable tale that has hooked me enough to continue reading.
Mike Hawthorne’s art fit the book nicely, and his black & white interiors look even better than the color cover.
Hawthorne gives each character his or her own look and
Hawthorne illustrates the dream sequences with an ethereal quality that lends weight to their
importance.
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personality and creates a nice, flowing pace throughout the issue. Hawthorne creates city settings that are dense, crowded
scenes and glacier settings that are appropriately desolate and barren. Hawthorne also illustrates the dream sequences with
an ethereal quality that lends weight to their importance. A nice job all around on the part of Hawthorne.
Umbra is a nice change of pace from the regular superhero stuff that dominates the market right now, especially
considering there are so few stand-out independent books anymore (that I know of). Affecting characters, novel mystery, and
solid storytelling make Umbra a worthwhile story especially if you have been wanting something more character-driven
and non-powered to read (like I have). Umbra can satisfy that need, as its great qualities far outweigh the few
technical issues I had with the story. Go give Umbra a look.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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