Superpowers, spies and international intrigue brought to you by Curt Pires and Rockwell White in Image Comics’ new globe-trotting adventure.
Conspiracy theories have fascinated people throughout history, and Indigo Children #1 introduces a unique one to the world of comics. Written by Curt Pires and Rockwell White, with art by Alex Diotto, colors by Dee Cunniffe, and lettering from Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Indigo Children delivers on the promise of creating an intriguing mystery while also packing in some action.
Together with journalist Donovan Price, we unearth the discovery of the Indigo Children — a group of super-powered children who disappeared fifteen years ago. A conspiracy has been set up and evidence of their existence has been hidden and only recently rediscovered. Price receives a video containing proof of one of these ultra-gifted individuals, a child named Alexei. This leads him across the globe as he digs through his sources in the hope that he may get closer to the answer.
A fresh approach to otherworldly abilities
Pires and White frame their story skillfully. The story interweaves scenes from a few different time periods, and this oversized issue #1 keeps the pacing tight. There’s room for the reader to breathe when necessary, but the story always moves towards the answer to the many questions established…the whos, wheres, and whys of the Indigo Children. The threats the writers construct to deter Price’s investigative work, reveals just how deep this conspiracy goes, and the lengths being taken to prevent anyone from discovering this secret are extraordinary. There is little that feels formulaic to this story, rather Indigo Children is something fresh and new. The tension overlayed through action and some intense character interactions makes for an exciting climax. Character-wise the surface is just being scratched and there is simply too little known at this point to understand anyone. Their fears and desires, what drives them, remains to be revealed.
The entire creative team shines in the warm glow of indigo
Diotto’s art keeps the story rooted in a sense of reality with grounded and meticulously detailed environments. This lets the idea of such an outlandish conspiracy feel convincing, and it complements the story that the writers are looking to create effectively. Details like sweat on Price’s face when conflict arises, the depiction of dust and debris flying through the air after a sequence featuring a violent confrontation, all look great and further add to the atmosphere. Dee Cunniffe’s work on the colors is really striking throughout. The way light spotlights or masks characters and objects adds a nice touch. The placement of indigo to convey the usage of the children’s power allows these scenes to hold even more weight to them.
This issue is often exposition heavy and so the lettering is vital. Otsmane-Elhaou is one of my favorites right now, and this is not the book where he misses. His lettering, which matches the flow and tone of the book, is cohesive throughout.
International stage is set
The ending to this debut issue has set an international stage for the story to continue unraveling the mystery. There is so much more to explore with these powers and children. The breadcrumbs laced throughout are clearly leading to something larger in scope. Particularly the prologue, which remains to be seen what its context is. Indigo Children #1 is a strong start to the series, effectively blending the supernatural with the natural in its writing and art, while being held together by the exciting mystery at its core.
Indigo Children #1 is available now in comic shops.
Check out our interview with Curt Pires and the entire creative team of It’s Only Teenage Wasteland here.
