Self Help #1 w. Owen King & Jesse Kellerman. a. Marianna Ignazzi. Image Comics – Syzygy Publishing. Pub date: June 19, 2024. $3.99.
During a recent conversation, the topic of what comics are most interesting came up. I usually begin by saying I love offbeat material and I go from there, often looking for a current example. Well, this is it. This comic has that X-factor I find most satisfying, something I find in the best stuff that Image Comics has to offer. So, in this case, we have a classic doppelganger story, straight out of a classic Twilight Zone episode and yet with a distinctive vibe all its own carried forward by a perfect mix (in script and art) of the new and the retro. And that’s significant since it’s not just a pale imitation but firmly part of a dark fantasy tradition.
If a first issue has only one purpose, it is to hook the reader in a big way. That happens here, with that special brand of uncanny contemporary flavor in Image Comics. This comic feels like it’s now and the characters are simple and accessible examples of our current situation: a nice big and scary California noir tale. You have Jerry Hauser, a driver for a ride-share company. You have Darren Hart, an A-list life coach, the kind who can fill up arenas with fawning followers. One guy a loser. One guy a winner. And they both look exactly alike, and then they have a fateful meeting. With this crisp premise, the rest of the story takes on a life of its own and it looks like this one will keep that promise.
The look and feel of this comic, thanks to artist Marianna Ignazzi, coupled with the intelligent script by Owen King and Jesse Kellerman, all adds up best-of-year material. Take note that this comic is part of the new Image Comics imprint, Syzygy Publishing, with an impressive lineup all its own. That may help provide that last nudge to seek this title out. Also, by all means, keep in mind the all-star talent behind this work: two heavyweight writers and one killer artist. Yes, this one is a winner with a full tank.
Rating: 10 out of 10
