Fans of symbiotic stories are sure to love The Eighth. The new comic book series has been in the works from writer Adam Lawson (Escape The Night, Tabletop, Spellsingers) and artist Jorin Evers for a while now. Though the team has been working on the eight-issue series for two years, the Indiegogo Campaign is currently underway to put the product in the hands of readers for the first time.
Lawson was kind enough to provide us with a review copy of the first issue of The Eighth so that we can share our thoughts with you during the Indiegogo Campaign run. Now that we've had the chance to explore the series, we're ready to break it down for you guys.
The concept of The Eighth revolves around a piece of ancient Sumerian Armor being discovered by a math genius. Dealing with his own internal issues followinng his brother's suicide, the main character David is completely unhappy with life. Surrounded by bullies and drug dealers, he is depressed, as despite his smarts he is still unable to solve the problems in the world and is forced to stand idly by and watch as his peers are continuously tortured.
Upon finding the Sumerian armor of the eighth Sage, David chooses to wield the unknown power for "good" by striking back at the people responsible. Not holding back, he soon begins to break his foes' spines and much worse as he and his friends start tearing into those who prey on the weak. Vowing to never use their power for their own revenge, David and his friend Emma Adachi decide to take their problems and the world on in full force until the power itself becomes too much for them to resist selfish acts.
Since the comic isn't being put out by a recognizable big name publisher, I wasn't sure of what to expect before diving into The Eighth but by the time I read the closing pages I was itching to continue the story. Adam Lawson has crafted a bracingly original series that features aspects of symbiotics that should please fans of the likes of Venom and Carnage.
Jorin Evers, an artist hailing from The Netherlands, has lent his beautiful style to the pages of The Eighth, as is evidenced in the animated teaser for the series below. At no point does the series feel like an Indie project, with interesting characters and an original plot that delivers action and intrigue page after page.
If the first issue is any indication of what to expect from the rest of the series, fans of comic books outside of Marvel and DC will be thrilled they took the time to check out this book. While there are eight issues planned, only five are currently completed; although, if your experience is anything like mine, you'll be itching for the remaining seven after the final page of the first chapter.
The Eighth is a refreshing change of pace from the general themes presented in the comic book medium. Moving away from the superheroics, a story about kids handling bullies with no remorse makes for an interesting concept, and the Sumerian Armor aspect is sure to sink its teeth into readers. With characters containing depth and a plot that explores a past culture not often found in comics, The Eighth will make a welcome addition to the bookcase of readers worldwide. - Five out of five.
Will you be checking out The Eighth? Take a peek at the cover art, animated teaser, and synopsis below and be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
The Eighth is the epic and painful story of teenagers, David Wells and Emma Adachi, who unlock a piece of ancient Sumerian armor, but mismanage its power and end up committing murder. Before they know it, they find themselves on a terrifying journey to change or destroy the world with no going back.
Readers interested in checking out The Eighth can do so by heading to the Indiegogo page here.