BARRIER, Image Comics / Cover Art by Marcos Martin
BARRIER #1 / Image Comics
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Marcos Martin
When the brain behind comic book masterpieces such as SAGA and PAPER GIRLS releases a new series, you best be paying attention my fellow nerds! BARRIER is an unconventional drama fusing stories about illegal immigration and language with a heavy dose of sci-fi for good measure. The book begins on the US-Mexican border in Pharr, Texas and stars a cast of intriguing characters whose paths will surely be intertwined!
Besides the compelling narrative and gorgeous art, BARRIER stands out for a few other reasons. Firstly, BARRIER is presented in a larger format and is printed in “landscape” format. While not seemingly a big deal, the different size and layout felt refreshing. As an added bonus, each issue has a super durable cardstock cover. Secondly, there are no plans to print a collected volume incentivizing readers to get to their local comic book shop and actually buy the individual issues. While I fully support this move, I have a feeling some limited edition collected volume will surface at some point. I’m looking at you Private Eye hardbound collector’s edition!
I was lucky enough to nab issue #1 on FREE COMIC BOOK DAY last May and was impressed by this new 5-part series. By the time you’re reading this ALL 5 issues will be on store shelves. So get to your local comic shop and check this one out! Well worth your time and dollars.
