Review: @NewWorldsComics 'Wynter'

 New Worlds Comics is a new independent digital comic book publisher. Their two titles are Wynter and Goof. Lyesmith had the pleasure of reviewing the first two issues of Wynter, both available on the app for your iPad.

Lyesmith: I'm going to give the warning that this is for mature readers, but I will say, it's nothing explicit or for the sake of being explicit. It's all tastefully done and if it were a movie would probably teeter between a PG-13 and an R depending on how some of the scenes were handled. Basically, when it comes to kids (read: teenagers) you're getting the warning I give whenever I suggest any comic book - be a parent. Read it. Judge it based on your kids maturity.

Moving on.





Set in a futuristic universe filled with populated planets and trillions of human lives, Liz Wynter struggles with the fact that she's not special. Human life has gone on for so long that it's reached ever version of every person it could ever possibly reach and now we're just repeating ourselves. You'll never be anything that some other 'you' hasn't already been.While looking through apps with her bestfriend Shane, Liz sees something she probably shouldn't have seen and her boring, predictable, un-special life is turned on it's ear.

Thoughts and notes while reading Wynter #1:
Very cool, original sci-fi. Poignant, but thought provoking, can't help but sense that the rebellion of Liz Wynter against not being unique and special is a sign of hope, not just for Liz but for the reader as well.
"Forn" - Love this kind of stuff! 'Wynter's' version of Frak or Flark from BSG and GotG.
Interesting usage of apps and technology, melding it all into a constant stream of social media. Scarily plausible. The 'iMe' app that tracks how attracted someone else is to you is interesting.
Judge Judy cameo, ftw!

Wynter #2
This issue steps up the action and suspense, and rightfully so. Introducing an antagonist, Alex Grace, the story picks up pace and sets you up for something great, you can just tell. The cliffhanger leaving you drooling the next issue.
Thoughts while reading issue #2:
iMe going over what Shane is experiencing is... unnerving. But compelling as hell.
If 'Wynter' had a soundtrack, you'd have to include 'Every Sperm is Sacred" as a bonus track. The theme of fighting against destiny/fate/your genetics to be something unique and special is still there through out the issue, but it's quite so brooding and teenage-y-emo-feeling. While that served it's purpose and was well used in the first issue, it evolved nicely in the second issue.
You have to love dirty, 'lived-in' sci-fi like this. It's almost got a BladeRunner feel to it.
The idea of trying to do something you, or any version of you, wouldn't do in a very specific situation is a wonderful one to explore, and I feel Guy Hasson does a wonderful job of not only exploring that idea in relation to the plot, but narrarating for both Wynter and Alex. Getting inside two such dramatically different characters' heads like that isn't easy, and Mr. Hasson does so masterfully.


Only two issues in and Mr. Hasson and Mr. Elekes have built a wonderfully vibrant and grounded world and mythology that immediately comes to life.

The art greatly compliments the writing style, and that's saying something, coming from me - I'm very picky about my art and the style in which Mr. Elekes works with 'Wynter' isn't always my favorite. But it just works here. I have nothing but good things to say about Mr. Elekes and I applaud his talent.
Again, I love the use of technology and the way it grounds itself into reality by connecting to stuff we already have and use. It makes it feel like the tech used in 'Wynter' isn't all that far-fetched. Which at times is more than a little scary.

All-in-all, 'Wynter' has become an immediate favorite, and a comic definitely worth keeping an eye on. Not just 'Wynter', but New Worlds Comics in general. They've got an impressive mission statement. Check this snippet from their website.


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What makes New Worlds Comics so special? Here is New Worlds Comics’ manifesto:



Top-notch original stories. We’re dedicated to originality and quality.

A story is a writer’s dream. The essence of a story comes from the very core of the writer. One writer shouldn’t handle another’s story. One writer, one story – all the way through.

All stories have endings. A series that doesn’t have an ending won’t have a middle. It will tread water in the same place, as many comic book series do. The middle is an exciting part of the story. As is the ending, even if it’s sad that it is the end.

Some series will end after 12 issues, some after 50. Some more. But all will end.

You should take nothing for granted when you know the story won’t go on forever. Change is guaranteed. Anything can happen.

A second series of a story, a prequel can also happen in New Worlds Comics. But characters and worlds will change as stories continue. Time does pass. Characters do die or change. All stories end.

No continuity. We’re here to create new worlds, not one new world. Each title will be true to its own continuity but will not be a part of other titles’ universes.

Only the best artists for us. Graphic artists should create art, not product. Our comic books are art, not a product.

Artists should be treated as artists. It’s hard making a living as an artist. Artists should be paid each time someone buys their art, regardless of having been paid for doing the work. Every time you buy a comic book, the artist and writer of that work gets a very nice percentage.

Women are heroes. In New World Comics, most (not all) of our titles will have women as the protagonists. If you think women can’t be heroes (super- or otherwise), look out the window. Female secondary characters, even in titles that have men as protagonists, will also be real women. Check out Liz Wynter in Wynter #1 to see what we mean.


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Those are some pretty heavy words to come from any comic book company, but if NWC keeps on the path they're currently on, just from what we've seen from 'Wynter', I don't doubt them in the least. Not in their seriousness, their tenacity, or in their ability to continue with this frame of mind well into the future. We need more companies like New Worlds Comics and more artists like Guy Hasson and Aron Elekes. I expect big things out of this little studio.


Be sure to check out their other title Goof as well! The reviews look great and we're anxious to see another side to Mr. Hasson's writing.

Check their website for continues updates.
NewWorldsComics.com

Their Twitter
@NewWorldsComics
Their Facebook
NWC's Facebook Page
Their Tumblr
NWC's Tumblr Page
And again, you can grab their app for the iPad to get the comics.
Towards the end of the month 'Wynter' will be available in ComiXology, across all platforms.


KEEP GEEKIN'!