Sea of Sorrows #1 Review

Writer: Rich Douek

Artist: Alex Cormack

8 of 8

Sea of Sorrows #1

There's nothing quite like the unknown - which is probably why so many of us have ventured into it's depths. No matter what horrors it might hold, we're entranced by the uncertainty bubbling underneath. For some, it might be about learning what's out there, while for others, it could be about experiencing something completely new. Whatever the reason, you'll find few things quite as compelling - or terrifying.

But the unknown takes many forms, be they stars, jungle - or sea. It's hard to know which road to walk down, though for the crew of Sea of Sorrows, the answer is very clear. For most of them, it's just about lining their pockets - though for Nick Shoals, it holds a very different allure. For him, he can't wait to return - not for the gold, but for a bit of quiet, away from a war torn past.

Through him, Douek and Cormack explore a very human horror, of a soldier weighed down by the guilt of what he did in war. For me, it's almost more compelling than the unearthly horror that lurks below. Right now, I'm not sure whether that's something to be afraid of, or, like many things, it simply is and there's nothing be worried about. Perhaps that's what's so alluring about the sea - you're not sure whether it's something to be afraid of, or entranced by.

Thanks to Cormack's art, I can definitely understand why Shoals is so eager to return. There's a different kind of fear to be found there, with creatures that could just as easily kill you as swim on right past you. Then there's the inky blackness, so dark it feels like you're swimming in darkness itself. There's a life Cormack gives it that makes it feel like it's almost alive - and in some ways, it is.

Overall, it's just a really good debut, that shows a lot of promise for the rest of the series. If you can, I'd definitely recommend you chance these depths - you'll be glad you did.