For years, I read good things about Terry Moore’s “Strangers in Paradise,” but had never picked one up. I think part of the reason was that by the time I became aware of the book, which received some great buzz, it was already so far along I wasn’t interested in trying to find back issues or waiting for the trades. So, when I saw his newest independent comic, “Echo,” I was intrigued. I glanced through the first issue and saw it was black and white, which didn’t bother me too much, but the art was nice and clean. The story seemed a bit of soap opera mixed with some science fiction but accessible. So I bought it. And I bought the next issue. And now it’s issue #5 and I’m hooked.
Moore has developed a simple but irresistible premise: soon-to-be divorced Julie Martin is out in the desert shooting some photos when there is an explosion in the sky above her. Liquid metal droplets fall all over her, her truck, etc. The liquid seems almost alive as a portion of it draws itself back together and solidifies on her chest and shoulder into a kind of form-fitting breastplate. And all help breaks loose from there as she tries to find out what the stuff is, tries to get it off of her and finds she is being hunted by the U.S. government, which wants it back (it turns out it’s some kind of super defense suit). Toss in the fact that the consciousness of woman pilot who was wearing the suit when it exploded is still somehow embedded in the liquid metal and you have a strange but fascinating premise. Moore’s line art is strong and simple—he draws very realistically proportioned characters—and the writing sings, particularly the dialogue. Issue #5 brings all the major characters into play and sets up the story for a nice long run.
This is a great series and you’re missing something if you haven’t been picking it up. Fortunately, a trade of the first five issues will be available in about a month or two.—RFM
Rating: 4/5
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