Review: Translucid #1 - Coheed And Cambria's Claudio Sanchez Delivers BOOM! Studios A 'Dark And Gritty' Superhero Comic!

A fast-paced read, Translucid #1 sets up an intriguing premise right off the bat to keep readers hooked. While there is clearly an influence of Batman and the Joker in here, Translucid presents a dark and gritty take on the superhero genre and cleverly twists the concept around.

With a belt full of hi-tech gadgetry, the masked vigilant, known as The Navigator, prowls the crime-infested streets of New York. The crime kingpin, labeled as The Horse by the press, has just been taken hostage. If the Navigator doesn't rescue his arch rival before the countdown hits zero, then millions of New Yorkers will watch a famous landmark building explode. Will the Navigator rescue the Horse in time? Or is he already stepping into a deadly trap?

Claudio Sanchez, lead singer for the rock band Coheed and Cambria, returns to the comic book world after his previous titles, Key of Z and Kill Audio.  Sanchez makes a comeback, along with co-writer Chondra Echert, to deconstruct the relationship between the hero and villain. The writing manages to take down bit by bit the inner connection between chaos and order. Though they are arch-enemies, the Navigator actually refers to the Horse as his only friend.

WRITTEN BY: Claudio Sanchez & Chondra Echert

ART BY: Daniel Bayliss

COVERS BY: Jeff Stokely & Ming Doyle

PUBLISHER: BOOM! Studios

The neat twist here is the subplot about the loss of childhood innocence. As an escape from his harsh reality, a little boy is imagining the never-ending battles between the Horse and Navigator. Does the child understand the two are figments of his imagination? Or do these two imaginary friends seem real to him?  

Artist Daniel Bayliss keeps the drawings in check to the child's imagination. This is what a young boy would probably think New York looks like. Bayliss provides the lush colors to the city, depicting tall buildings that reach to the sky. Notice how the geography is all wrong, especially where the Empire State Building is located.

Bayliss jumps back and forth between two distinct worlds. In the superhero world, you don't know if the Horse is wearing a mask or if that is actually his head. When reality hits, the colors are toned down and moody.

Out in stores now, Translucid #1 hits its mark and gets readers psyched for the next issue. Let's see what happens between the Navigator and the Horse as the Translucid miniseries continues. Don't forget to check out the preview page for Translucid #1.

Rating: MUST READ