I Breathed A Body #1 Review

Writer: Zac Thompson

Artist: Andy MacDonald

Rating: 5 of 8

I Breathed A Body #1

Power. For many, it's one of the most important things around. Those without it hunger for it, while those with even a small amount will do their best to hold onto what little they have. But with it, however big or small, must always come a great deal of responsibility. The words of such an old comic-book hero might seem hackneyed or cliché, but to this day, they remain some of the most important words ever put to comics.

They're words many would do well to heed, especially those with a lot of influence. Years ago, those people would've been the Presidents, Prime Ministers and the people around them. Today, they're joined by a very different kind of influencer: that of social media. These could be footballers like Ronaldo, singers like Beyoncé, or gamers like PewDiePie; but there's at least one thing they all share: influence.

It's something Anne Stewart and her team have a lot of. The question is whether they use any of it responsibly. Most of their focus is on young Mylo Caliban, an online prankster with a lot of influence, energy - and something else, bubbling beneath the surface. Whether they manage to catch any of it and turn it into something positive is yet to be seen. But given their track record, where even his incredible recklessness can work out for them, they might just have a chance.

Intriguingly, the post-script has an article all about Mylo, detailing his success, his personal philosophy and a whole lot more. But it's the part about him being ''fluent in the language of manic apathy'' that intrigues me. Given some of the things he does near the issue's end, I find it hard to believe he doesn't care, even if he doesn't express it in the best of ways. 

I'm not sure whether I should criticize, or praise, the article. While it's brilliantly written and nicely expands on the issue's world, some of what it explains might've been better shown within the story itself. If there's one other thing I'd criticize, it's that one of the later pages is oddly out of focus, though both the previous and next pages are very clear.

Overall, the issue, though flawed, is pretty good. It flows well, rarely drags and has some good commentary on the power of influence in the social media age.