Night Vol. 1
writer: Wyatt Kennedy
artist: Luigi Formisano
Colorist: Francesco Segarra & Gloria Martinelli
Writer: Maria Letizia Mirabella
Publisher: Image comics
collect: Questions #1-6
Publication date: June 2024
Night Vol. 1 Both are similar to a lot of things, but unlike anything I’ve ever read. On the surface, you can make comparisons to other series and point out references, but the series has its own rich personality and readers can gain a solid grasp over the course of the first volume in the series. When announcing the series, the writers Wyatt Kennedy pointed out:
“I basically want to make the greatest Toonami show that has ever existed. There are a lot of weird genre elements, including horror, comedy, action and romance, but the characters are the real heart of this story.”
His words are consistent with the first volume of the ongoing series, because although Night Vol. 1 In many ways it feels familiar, like a long-forgotten cult animated show that’s very much its own thing. The show tells the story of teenager Vince Okonma, who lost his parents in 2003. He moves in with his secret mercenary cousin, befriends a skeleton game developer, and falls in love with a vampire. This is only the first question. There’s more where that came from.
Much of the world-building in the series is both surreal and subtle, such as how randomly the United States has 31 states instead of 50, or how people react to walking, talking skeletons instead of vampires. I’m sure it’s in the wrong hands. Night Vol. 1 of The world-building may seem absurd, but every choice feels like a special way to do it right—building a sense of mystery for the reader and engaging them at every turn. This is a series that tells long-term stories, setting them up and paying off them at a slower pace than some comics fans may be used to. There are also a lot of anime influences, mainly from cult classics such as FLCL and chemical story.
Wyatt KennedyHis greatest strength as a writer is his feel for dialogue and dialogue. One of the strongest aspects of his previous series Bolero with superstar artists Luana Vecchio is witty, realistic dialogue that looks like it was spoken by the reader’s real-life friends, and the same techniques apply Night Vol. 1. Each character has a unique voice, unique phrases and behaviors. It helps readers make connections and really begin to deeply sympathize with the cast, many of whom are hurt or troubled in some way. The entire cast has to maintain a delicate balance with their characters so as not to leave anything underdeveloped, and Kennedy seems to do it extremely well.
Speaking of characters, they are truly the core guiding force of this book. Matt is a lovable goofball skeleton who hides his pain and darkness beneath layers of sarcasm and humor. Ivory is probably the character with the least obvious personality initially, but it slowly emerges over the course of the first volume. Vince is a great protagonist because he’s more than just a sideshow for the reader. He has his own flaws, driving motivations, and imperfections and feels like a realistic depiction of the mindset that many lost young people feel during those aimless moments in their lives. The most compelling character, however, is Grey, the world’s greatest vampire, whose story is currently filled with mystery and intrigue. Charismatic, memorable and confident, she takes center stage in issue five and is the series’ standout so far.
Works by newcomers Luigi Formisanotogether with the colorist Francesco Segarra & Gloria Martinelli is one of the best aspects of this book. FormisanoThe art style is strong and memorable, with just the right balance of realism and stylized elements that would work very well in a comic book. His visual sense is outstanding, with each character standing out with their unique design. Color work by everything and Martinelli It’s top notch and the bright colors pop off the page as you read. Formiano seems lucky in that he can depict action and intimate character moments so well, and the story affords him the time and space in equal measure.
Overall, Nights is as much a unique story as it is about a weirdo. It’s about the pain of adolescence, but full of new things to say and new ways to explore them. The entire creative team seems to put their all into every issue, including creating custom merchandise for each issue, and the first deal is well worth a read. If you’re like me and are looking for more unique comics that have love and effort put into them, you should check it out.
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