All Against All #1 – Alex Paknadel, Caspar Wijngaard, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Set in the far future, an alien race scours the remains of the Earth for animals to use in their scientific research, keeping the remains of the ecosystem left behind by mankind in bio-domes that they use for experimental purposes. However, there is more left on Earth than they have realised, and they are set to face an apex predator unlike anything they could have imagined – or feared.
All For One
In the grim darkness of the far future… no wait. That’s wrong. This is the far future, and there is war. But All Against All is neither grim nor dark – in fact this book is absolutely beautiful. Featuring the signature colour palette of Caspar Wijngaard (Angelic, Home Sick Pilots), the pages flow with the pinks, blues and greens that mark his work out. Featuring a range of characters both Earth-bound and other-worldly, the dynamic art pulls the reader through the story at breakneck speed, brilliantly tempered by the pacing installed by the dialogue.
The lettering is expertly handled by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Poison Ivy, Shanghai Red), who builds the voices even further than the art does alone, bringing us hints of character over and above what we see from the art. I especially enjoy the way in which he adds a touch of realism to the voices, changing the style of the lettering to indicate they are speaking their thoughts, for example.
One For All
Written by Alex Paknadel (Giga, Arcadia), the story takes us from the apparently early days of the research of a group of scientists examining large predatory creatures, to the latter years of study when their focus has shifted. Set against a backdrop of war, and with elements of the single-minded focus we are used to seeing from the likes of Reed Richards, there is method behind the madness and younger minds wanting their freedom from the old guard. There are threads that have been introduced into the story that I expect to see interwoven more in future issues – which I am certainly excited to pick up – and I can’t wait to see where these elements come back into play.
Featuring the kind of mind-expanding language I expect from the likes of Adrian Tchaikovsky or Kieron Gillen, Paknadel delivers a stunning script that mixes science and fiction perfectly. With just the right level of recognisable features and otherworldly etheralism, the alien characters are strangely personable, despite the questionable things they are doing in the name of science.
All For All
When all is said and done this is a strong debut issue, from a highly talented team. They don’t go overboard on exposition, but give us enough story to keep things interesting, whilst keeping enough cards close to their chest that readers will certainly want more.
In an effort to be spoiler free I am not going to say more, but there is a recurring individual who brings to mind a classic character – as seen on the covers featured here – and I am looking forward to finding out more about this person, ‘Helpless’. Be sure to check out All Against All #1, available to pre-order now where comics are sold, and on the racks from December 7th.
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Alex Paknadel – Writer
Caspar Wijngaard – Artist
Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou – Letterer
Image Comics – Publisher
