The Discipline #1 Review

By Nolan P. Smith

Editor

(Victor Valley)— When it was announced that The Discipline would be released through Image Comics, I was ecstatic. I mean, think about it: a mature readers book by Peter Milligan (Hellblazer, X-Statix) and Leandro Fernandez (Punisher: MAX)? What’s not to be excited about?

The Discipline focuses on Melissa Drake- a woman with a seemingly great life- but with many shades to her reality. A wealthy, successful woman, Melissa is stuck in a loveless marriage with a husband who simply ignores her and a family who refutes her attempts to help at every turn. As life grows more mundane and frustrating, she encounters the mysterious Orlando, who has far more than an affair in mind. Mixing strong sexual desires with magic and demons, The Discipline #1 opens a door to a very interesting tale.

Milligan’s script brings us into the “real” life of Melissa- filled with gossip, desires, and self-doubt, and smashes it into the contrast of the very disturbing world Orlando brings to the scene. Fernandez’s art is soft, calm and mesmerizing at times, and with the quick cuts to demons and the slaughterhouse, changes to imagery of sheer terror. The emotion seen and unseen here really make helps build the character of not only Melissa, but of Orlando and his intentions as well. This debut issue is a dark, disturbing, and sexually charged- and almost guarantees that the road will become far more menacing as the story progresses. Just remember, this is a mature readers book for a reason: keep this one out of the reach of young ones.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

This review was created in conjunction with QBC Toys and More, a local comic book and collectible shop located in Victorville, CA. Featuring new comic books every week, collectibles, action figures, original artwork, and more, QBC has something for the pop culture lover in us all. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QBCToysandMore/.