Breathers #1 Review: Last Breath

By Nolan P Smith

This one caught me by surprise. I hadn’t ordered it, but my local comic shop happened to get this book in stock. The cover by Matt Kindt is what drew me in, and I am glad it did. I am talking about Breathers #1 from Its Alive Press. 

By Justin Madson, this unique little book takes us into a world where everyone needs a breather apparatus to go outside; no reason is given why. We meet a mother and her young daughter Mara, who plays with her imaginary friend, her stuffed dragon named piper. We also see two other scenes play out, one at a coffee shop with a man named Tobey, and one with a corrupt police officer that confiscates some illegal filters that are seemingly used in the breathers. How or if these lives will intertwine is yet to be seen, but with the way the first issue ends, trouble is coming for Mara’s mother.

Madson’s artwork reminds me of Matt Kindt’s a bit. His is more refined and clear than Kindt’s, and the lettering here is unique to the story. You get pulled in to this book, mainly for the characters we meet briefly. I like the vibe I got from this issue. So much so that I have already preordered the second issue as well. Breathers was a pleasant surprise to find on the shelf, and I think if you are looking for something different, this might be it. 

Rating: 9.0 out of 10. 

Nolan P. Smith is the Editor and Co-Founder of Pastrami Nation. Being a reporter for the past ten years, he has worked for a variety of media outlets, from newsprint to the ever-evolving internet platform. Residing in Victorville, CA, writing has always been a significant aspect of his life. You can usually find him at comic book conventions, looking for more amazing books to dive into, or at the gym at odd times of the night. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter @nolanpsmith, and Instagram @kakooee.