Publisher: AfterShock Comics
Writer: Marguerite Bennett
Artist: Juan Doe
Release Date: 12th July 2017

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I tend to find that spin-off books rarely hold up to the main series. Take Marvel, for example.  They have had some of the most amazing event series I can think of but I personally find the tie-ins very lacklustre in comparison.

Quite how Marguerite Bennett has come up with such an enthralling story as Animosity I will never work out, but the fact that she has managed to not only create the living and breathing world of the main story, but also start another equally as good side series, is a true testament to her talent and brilliance.

It’s down to the strength of her writing and the characters she has created that, in a world of talking animals, we don’t even mind not know how “The Wake” actually happened in the first place.

In the Rise we are following the post-Wake politics and social upheaval first-hand as animals and humans try to work together in order to survive. The peace is fragile and you can feel the tension practically emanating from the page. It is exceptional.

Juan Doe’s art is perfect for the story with the expressions on the animals faces giving enough information about their moods and personalities, but never crossing the line and becoming cartoonish.

Ultimately, it feels that the creative team here are a well oiled machine that know exactly what they want and exactly how to deliver it.

Rating: 4/5.

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The writer of this piece was: David Gladman
David Tweets from @the_gladrags

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