Written by: Eric Stephenson
Art by: Simon Gane
Publisher: Image
Three issues in and They’re Not Like Us has really grown on me. The story is moving at a nice pace that both attempts to develop our main cast as well as provide interesting moral questions. While this new issue doesn’t shake the ground-work like the previous two, it does build on what has been established as we see Syd finally go out on her first mission in the field.
It seems a lot has changed for Syd since last issue, and while this does sort of dampen her role as an audience surrogate, it’s nice to see her grow in confidence and become a strong character while still showcasing some of the doubts the reader may have about the events unfolding. Much of this issue focuses on her training and the development of her powers, which generates some nice movement in the plot department while still allowing Stephenson to focus on character. We also get to see some more of the side characters in action as they utilise their powers in creative ways which adds some nice personality too them, as the large cast is still proving a bit of an issue to me given how little we see them, so creating some individuality between them is a plus in my book.
Really my only main complaint about the plot this issue is that the time skip between the last two issues feels a little jarring as we feel like we skipped something. Nothing too strong that it pulls me out of the experience, but to give an example there’s a romance element hinted at that just seems to come out of nowhere and that I don’t recall being hinted at before. It’s a strange thing, but it’s a minor complaint in an otherwise great issue.
Gane’s work manages to remain as unique and stylish as always. He doesn’t get to do anything too crazy this issue, but he displays great creativity in the portrayal of some of the groups’ powers. Including a particularly great moment that involves Syd using her mind control powers in a large crowd. I don’t have too much to specifically say about Gane’s art, however I feel it’s a perfect fit for the book, effectively communicating the modernity of the plot and working really well from a storytelling angle. It’s a great fit and I’m glad to see him lend a great deal of personality to the book.
Overall, They’re Not Like Us has turned into a series I really enjoy reading every month. I’m fully on board with the story and am looking forward into delving even further into these characters. Stephenson and Gane have crafted a really grounded story about super-powered people that manages to feel fresh and modern without retracing the clichés of the genre. It’s a great comic that I definitely recommend getting on board with.
