Lonely Receiver #1 Review

Writer: Zac Thompson

Artist: Jen Hickman

Rating: 7 of 8

Lonely Receiver #1

 

Who are we without someone? Someone to love us, support us; someone who'll simply be there. We all need someone. Whether it's a friend, a partner, or family, we're not quite complete without them. 

But the tricky thing is making sure you don't lose yourself in them. That's a problem Catrin and Rhion have to deal with as their relationship develops. The two of them are better - and worse - for having each other. Though watching a relationship develop can be interesting, especially when it's built on shaky ground, that isn't the most interesting part.

No, what makes it interesting is the fact that one (or both?) of them isn't even real. From what I understand, Rhion was artificially created using Catrin's special phone. At least, that's the impression I got early on, as we see Rhion created by Catrin and her phone, though later scenes indicate Catrin's the AI. It's not entirely clear, but perhaps that's the point.

It might've been done to make us question who the real one is and what makes them real. Or it could be trying to make us ask if what makes someone real is their sense of identity. The lack of clarity over who the AI is is the only thing I'd criticize, as otherwise, the issue's pretty good. Hickman's art is filled with life and, like the scene above, bursts with colour and vibrancy. 

Throughout the issue, Jen shows their skill as an artist. Whether it's in the above scene, or in the explosive, all too relatable violence, Hickman's art is never dull. It would be remiss of me to neglect mentioning Thompson's writing. Thanks to both of them, the issue flows well and never drags. 

It's filled with the quieter moments of a relationship, like having breakfast, or seeing your partner off as they head for work. But Thompson never forgets just how dark a relationship can turn, with the issue opening with an angry, curse laden farewell, one which hints at an emotionally abusive relationship, or something more complicated. 

Overall, despite my confusion, this was a pretty good opening issue. I'd recommend it to anyone up for a darker look at a relationship, filled with sinister sci-fi trappings.