EXTRAORDINARY #1 – An Honest Review

In EXTRAORDINARY #1, available from Titan Comics on June 23rd, 2021, two medical students test the theory that a human can develop extraordinary powers when they have a near-death experience. When they succeed, they unlock a Pandora’s Box of death and destruction that will consume everyone involved.

The Details

• Written By: V.E. Schwab
• Art By: Enid Balám, Leonardo Olea, Jordi Escuin Llorach
• Cover Art By: Ana Godis (cover A)
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: June 23, 2021

Was It Good?

Yes, it was very good.

The story, based on the premise and how it unfolds in this first issue, has a distinct Frankenstein vibe in its exploration of God, humanity, and the consequences of violating the laws of Nature. By contrast, this story doesn’t dive too deep into the philosophical theories of Shelley’s seminal work, but instead, is content to use the themes to lay a foundation and then jump right into the action.

That sounds like a lot, and the themes can get deep if you dwell on them too long, but what’s very good about this comic is how it keeps the pace up and doesn’t get bogged down by being too cerebral. In short, lots of heavy themes for you to chew on but the story touches on those themes only as much as needed.

The art by Balám and the team is quite good. The anatomy of the characters is sometimes a little odd. Limbs and muscles contort and twist in ways that might make you think they’re broken, but they’re not. It’s simply a unique anatomy style, but it fits the story nicely.

You can see for yourself in our EXTRAORDINARY #1 preview here.

Overall, it’s an interesting idea with deep concepts and plenty of well-paced action. And the stylized art somehow fits well with the themes of the story.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

Eli and Victor meet as medical students in their Sophomore year. Eli wants to become a doctor to help people. Victor is more interested in learning how the human machine works. Throughout their friendship, they constantly challenge each other’s assumptions on medical theory and the mechanics of life.

As they approach their senior year, Eli becomes convinced EOS are real – individuals who return from near-death experiences with permanent abilities. Reluctantly, Vincent helps Eli test the theory on himself. It works and Eli returns from the dead with the power of immortality.

Much like the original Frankenstein story, Eli is repulsed by his “creation” as an affront to life and unnatural. He wants to shut the whole experiment down, but Victor, craving power of his own, recreates the experiment without Eli. It works and Victor comes back with electricity powers. The conflict takes on new meaning when Victor uses his power to kill people.

Eli blames himself for the knowledge he’s unleashed on the world and the “monster” he created in victor. After years of chasing, Eli eventually finds Victor and puts an end to his terror.

However, there are more EOS out in the world; created by accident. Eli, arrested for Victor’s murder is held in a facility with a growing number of EOS captured from around the world. Feeling the responsibility of what he started, Eli determines his only path is to help the authorities find and capture EOS wherever they are.

We conclude the issue with Eli making a target list.

How Does It End?

The EOS free in the world do not know they are being tracked. Eli is determined to do more than capture EOS. “Hello, Charlotte.”

Final Thoughts

EXTRAORDINARY #1 is an intelligent and action-filled introduction to an intriguing new story. The stylized art fits the Frankenstein motif, and the writing keeps a brisk pace while simultaneously touching on thought-provoking ideas.

Score: 8.5/10