Morning Glories

So, I finally got a chance to read the first two volumes of Image Comic's critically acclaimed Morning Glories series last night. And I can see why it's so damned popular, fair play.

Understatement: don't be fooled by the pre-teen cover designs.

It's been described by its writer as a mix between Lost and Runaways, and that's a not a bad start. But it's probably a bit of an understatement; for one, it's worth pointing out that so far the series is far more early Lost than late Lost. And while a comparison with Marvel's excellent Runaways series is not inaccurate, these kids have far more in common with the dysfunctional cast of Skins than anyone who has appeared in Runaways. It also utterly fails to prepare you for the ultraviolence that crops up; if popped teenage eyeballs aren't for you, I'd give this one a miss.

Dysfunctional as the kids are, the staff are terrifying.

It also reminded me of that late-90's run of high-school thrillers; remember The Faculty and Disturbing Behaviour? Think along those lines and you won't go far wrong. Writer Nick Spencer is excellent, and backed up by Joe Eisma's pencils and ink. I'm a sucker for a consistent art style when the art style works, and it's perfect here. Rodin Esquejo provides the cover art, and rather than clashing the whole thing comes together in a really pretty package.

If I've anything like a criticism, it would be that the series jumps into the weirdness far too soon. Suspense is high, and taking a few issues to build it would have been great. But that's a criticism for the TPB, and if I'd been reading the serial I'm not sure it would have worked. One thing's for certain though. Volume 3 is out shortly, and this geek can't wait to find out what the unholy hell happens next.