NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH #1 (boom! Studios)

Two neighboring gated communities that couldn’t seem any further from each other are going to find out how close they truly are. When Jill and Cassie come up missing from their respective communities, both will be trying to find them. How will these communities react when they find out that the disappearances are linked in a most unsuspecting way?

Neighborhood Watch #1 - Written By Sarah Gailey – Illustrated By Haining – Colors By Rebecca Nalty - Letters By Jodie Troutman – Edited By Elizabeth Brei - Published By BOOM! Studios

Credit: BOOM! Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

We are introduced to two gated communities that are vastly different even though they are close to each other. Willow Haven is an upper-class community that is run by an HOA and looks like the perfect little place to raise a family. Then there is Open Arms Intentional Collective that is a live in co-op that’s populated by everyday people from all walks of life. Even though they are different they share one thing in common, everything is not what it seems in either community. Fights among community neighbors, political maneuvers to gain favor, and even adultery can be found in these communities. However, when a member from each community comes up missing, the truth of how truly close these communities are will come out.

WRITING:

This first issue sets up this series and has the reader guessing on what can come next. Sarah Gailey shows us these two different communities and paints the picture that they are completely different even though their proximity is close. Gailey weaves in between the two communities and shows the differences seamlessly. The dichotomy between the two communities really sets the tone for the story that will play out as this series continues.

The pace of the story slows in the middle of the issue which kind of takes the reader out for a bit. The pacing makes me feel like there was an attempt to maybe show a little bit too much of how the communities operate and should have shown a little more of the missing members and the search for them. But Gailey brings you right back into the story with the shocking reveal to close out the first issue. This reveal will surely hook any reader and certainly make them want to read the next issue.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this first issue brings the story to life and allows the reader to see exactly what is happening with the story. Haining really immerses the reader in the story with the artwork. The way that Haining captures the essence of both communities well using similar yet different art styles to separate them is great. When you add the colors from Rebecca Nalty the artwork pops even more. Once again, the color choices also show the differences between the two communities. The art team over delivers in this issue which helps make the reading experience highly enjoyable.

Check Out Ken’s Review of SIKTC #45

Final Thoughts:

Neighborhood Watch #1 kicks this murder mystery series off with a bang and a shocking reveal. Even with a bit of pacing issues, the book is still highly enjoyable and will surely hook anyone who reads it with the mystery and reveals it contains. If you are into true crime or mystery books, this should be on your list when you visit the LCS this week.

FINAL GRADE: 8.5/10

Let me know your thoughts on Neighborhood Watch #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!