Scout Comics' The Impure #1
- WRITER
- Ralf Singh
- Artist
- Hannes Radke
- Letterer
- Marc Schmitz, Ralf Singh
- Cover Artist
- Miki Montlló
- Publisher
- Scout Comics
- Price
- 3.99
- Release Date
- 2021-04-07
- Colorist
- Ralf Singh
The Impure is a new creator-owned science fiction series from independent comics publisher Scout Comics that is bursting with wild sci-fi concepts presented by writer Ralf Singh and artist Hannes Radke. The book is part of the publisher's Nonstop imprint, which releases a premiere issue online and to comics shops followed by a full story in one collected volume. Singh, who also provides colors and contributes to the lettering, previously worked with Heavy Metal on the licensed series Narcopolis: Continuum.
While The Impure is ambitious, it's an uneven first foray for the German creative team. This first chapter throws readers into an interstellar conflict, flashing back and forth to the childhood of cyborg protagonists Nero and Minerva and the destruction of their homeworld Castor by an invading alien force. In the present, Nero and Minerva are elite soldiers in the Earth Forces, seemingly responsible for wiping out other alien races. When Minerva refuses her deadly orders, Nero is faced with an existential decision that could turn the tide of the war and the siblings' futures. But it would mean turning his back on all that he has been taught to believe.
Singh presents imaginative concepts but packs too much into these 28 pages. In an attempt to both provide the main character's backstory and set up the overarching conflict the issue cuts back and forth across time. As a result, events in the present are sometimes difficult to follow. Dropping the audience into a conflict can be an effective storytelling tool, but the attempt falls flat here with the momentum stalled by flashbacks.
Hannes Radtke's art is strong, especially considering how much the dense script asks. As such, some events that would be more impactful with more real estate lack weight. Radtke occasionally switches location mid-page which can make it difficult to follow the action or keep track of the character within the small panels, and the amount of time passing within and between pages is inconsistent and unclear. The character work is strong, though, with expressive faces and body language that sells the personal conflict that is at the heart of the issue. Once the flashbacks are out of the way the last few pages are much more disciplined and the conversations and action have more space to sell their shocking and emotional moments.
Radtke's designs and world-building are fantastic with battles depicting lumbering gorilla-like tanks and angelic beasts that are both frightening and awe-inspiring. Unfortunately, the impressive creature designs are not highlighted in a way that makes them as truly intimidating as they deserve. The density of the panels makes them less impressive when placed beside similarly-sized characters on surrounding panels. The designs of Nero and Minerva's body armor are ninja-like glowing suits with dramatic capes that look beautiful in motion and feel immediately iconic. Singh's colors cast the flashback in a sepia tone that highlights the idyllic feeling of the past that slowly transitions into a fiery red as things go horribly awry. It is a subtle shift that furthers the story visually. He also distinguishes between the characters by utilizing signature colors to light scenes when each sibling is the focus. Nero is primarily presented in blue greens and Minerva in violet. When they meet at the end, Minerva's colors overtake the book as the choice she presents her brother draws him in.
The Impure is an exciting and lovingly-rendered first issue whose greatest sin is trying to do too much. Singh and Radtke are bursting with ideas and concepts. There is plenty to enjoy, thanks to Radtke's visually stunning designs and the emotional story, but the remaining issues need to work on their pacing and put more faith in Radtke's storytelling. With introductions out of the way, there is potential to provide a meaningful meditation on military service and personal choice in the face of conscripted hatred.
For those looking to support small-press comics and interested in exploring imaginative sci-fi worlds, The Impure offers a lot to like, and hopefully, the series can overcome some of the missteps of the first issue and live up to the intriguing ideas presented.