Fathom is a series I’ve always wanted to enjoy but it never quite clicks for me. Fathom Vol. 8 #1 is a perfect example of that as the issue attempts to be all things to all readers.
Written by Vince Hernandez, the issue is the latest volume in the long running series. Much has taken place and with a new volume you’d hope a clear explanation would be present for new readers. Hernandez attempts that, weaving in a lot of history from the previous seven volumes. The result is an issue that attempts to be new reader friendly but falls short with too many references to the past and not enough explanation.
The issue puts forth the key players of this latest volume and story and does its best to explain it all. But, when you need to have numerous editorial explanations of when things took place, there may be too much reliance on the past. Instead of clear explanations, it feels like the reader is expected to go back and read the references. It leaves one feeling left out when the issue should deliver enough to understand why what’s references is important.
Fathom Vol. 8 #1 does set things up well though. There’s more than enough intrigue and action that by the end of the issue, you may feel compelled to come back and see where things go. It ends with a nice cliffhanger that’s a bit traditional in a way but makes it clear as to what to expect next.
The at by Mauricio Camptella is nice. With colors by Peter Steigerwald, there’s a cool blending of the world of the blue and humans though at times it doesn’t feel like it goes far enough. The team is working off what has come before and for an underwater world, the design feels rather plain and basic, not taking advantage of the underwater beauty enough. There’s both a lack of detail and detail at the same time. What’s present is nice but there could be more of a blending of the inorganic and organic worlds.
Fathom Vol. 8 #1 is entertaining in a lot of ways and moves the narrative forward. Where it ends up delivers what’s likely a second issue that might be more new reader friendly. With some narrative changes, this could have been an explosive debut reinvigorating the series. As is, it attempts to please two camps of readers and in the end wind up making neither happy.
Story: Vince Hernandez Art: Mauricio Campetella
Color: Peter Steigerwald Letterer: Zen
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
Aspen Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
