THE BLACK TOWER: THE RAVEN CONSPIRACY #1 (DC COMICS)
Darren Burroughs had big ambitions, but nothing like this.
The 23 year old from Pennsylvania wanted more in life. He now finds himself entangled with a select espionage group known as Black Tower. Their specialty is the paranormal. Burroughs quickly finds out he’s now entangled in a web there’s no escape from.
THE BLACK TOWER: THE RAVEN CONSPIRACY #1 by Ram V., Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer & Andworld Design (DC COMICS) begins its’ spy thriller saga.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the unknown.
BLACK TOWER: THE RAVEN CONSPIRACY #1 by Ram V., Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer & Andworld Design (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Ram V is staging epic moments around a naive character as Burroughs jumps into the fire. The opening sequence teases the dark side of espionage as his capture is served with no delay. It teases enough to give the flashback sequences more merit. The talk with Grandpa Bear welcomes readers into a mor optimistic place. Bear’s dialogue takes many angles before dropping key wisdom after a great story. It leaves a lasting impression as Burroughs pushes his future forward.
Readers watch as his training steers him into an unlikely destination with Division Nine. The writing carries a gruff tone as the powers that be decided what to do with the young candidate. Once in London, the pacing excels to a better speed. Burroughs is tested early while the new players come into focus. Alistair Romeo steals pages with his charisma while working on the clues given. This leads into a chaotic rescue attempt where truths are revealed. Ram V. juggles the moving parts with ease to usher in a steady final segment. It works its’ magic to snare in readers for next round and the unknown path it now begins to walk.
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Perkins and Spicer keep a very intense feel to the pages with the art. Burroughs time in London is presented with grave danger. One character’s special abilities loom overhead to cause more trouble. It provides a pivot to a strong flashback sequence. The time with Grandpa Bear is wholesome while mixing truth and fiction. Bear’s look vary to show the tough navigation around his grandson. The lessons here cement with Burroughs as he enters his next phase.
Small panel structure showcases the training results Burroughs is displaying superbly. Readers watch how his skills punch a ticket for London. Panels show Heathrow Airport as a reluctant training ground. The art amps up the pressure as the first test is underway. This slows down to allow Romeo a grand entrance. His expressions are cold but hit their marks. Once in the rescue mode, panels build up the conflict to a fever pitch. A bold full page starts the attack with no remorse. The fallout leads to more relaxed looks as Burroughs prepares for what’s next. A chilling closing page teases more dangers ahead with a perfect closing panel to finish on. Can’t ask for much better than that.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
A supernatural entangled web starts a thrilling new saga redefining the spy genre. Ram V orchestrates a multi-level saga with various surprises as its’ backbone. Perkins and Spicer construct a gloomy and uncertain atmosphere with sensational art. The world of Darren Burroughs just became your new favorite destination.
Let me know your thoughts on BLACK TOWER: THE RAVEN CONSPIRACY #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
