Wayward Volume 1 Review- A Supernatural Classic
By Nolan P. Smith
Published by Image Comics
Book is for MATURE READERS
(Victor Valley)—Like many of you, I enjoy stories that thrive in the worlds of fantasy- the escape of reading a comic or watching a movie that allows you to distance yourself from the real, often boring real world is pretty fantastic. Which is why I love films, comic books, video games, anime and so forth- they allow for that escape. With Wayward- Volume 1, I got to escape the boredom of the desert I live in for a bit and escape to a Japan filled with monsters and demons straight out of mythology.
Created by Jim Zub and Steve Cummings, Wayward is the story of teenager Rori Lane, a fiery red haired young lady who goes to live with her mom in Japan after having lived in Ireland with her father. A whole new world is seen through her eyes, as we see the culture shock of going to Japan for the first time. It doesn’t help that Rori starts to see glowing red line patterns that guide her and connect her to a world she knows nothing about.
This leads Rori into trouble she never imagined, like turtle like monsters, Kappa, who are out to destroy her for seemingly no reason. Lucky for Rori, she befriends a strange cat-like girl, Ayane, and spirit eating powerhouse and fellow student, Shirai. It seems the supernatural are coming out more and more into the public eye, but why? And does it have to do with Rori’s appearance?
Jim Zub, who writes another Image Comic’s book I love (Skullkickers), creates a truly intriguing world. It reminds me of the anime Yu Yu Hakusho; as both have a team of young, strangely powered youth battling it out with demons in Japan. I love Yu Yu, and I absolutely loved this first volume of Wayward. Artist Steve Cummings creates characters that aren’t overdone in their look and sense of style, but still unique in their own ways. The world Cummings creates is astounding, and really transports the reader to this magical yet realistic version of Japan.
When Wayward first came out, I wasn’t sure what to think by the cover, which boasts cats and a glowing eyed Ayane. I thought this would be more like a horror style book. Instead, I got a supernatural action fight fest, and I couldn’t be happier. Zub and Cummings have a hit on their hands with Wayward, and after the shocking ending, the story continues in the monthly single issues. I have to give Wayward Volume 1 a perfect @@@@@ out of FIVE. If you like stories about the supernatural, then why haven’t you picked this up yet?
Too bad you can’t buy any of those in the high desert. I think the closest comic shop is in Rancho or San Bernardino. Sounds like a good read.
Yeah it sucks not to have a comic shop out here anymore. I go to 4 Color Fantasies in Rancho Cucamonga, it’s actually where I picked up this trade. Great store!