Remender keeps adding layers to Black Science. This month, the Grant Mackay (who may or may not be our “original Mckay”) introduced in Black Science #9 was joined by another variation of Mackay, a new Sarah, and another Kadir. Meanwhile, Pia, Nate, and their new friend face the death-cult centipedes, and the Pillar is counting down.
Not content with having the team travel through alternate universes as they hope to return home, Remender has added in further universes with other Pillars and other travelers, more of which are becoming relevant to the original group—there are now at least three Mackays traveling by Pillar and intending to track down “his” (their?) children. It is even hard to speak of the “original” group as several members have died and they have been joined, by an increasing number of additional members and stowaway parasites. He is also delving more into the travelers’ pasts, adding more reasons for their choices and responses. Rebecca and Pia in particular get developed in this issue, and it is possible to gather more from others’ responses to the situation. Readers are getting to know the surviving members more and more—while knowing it is hazardous to get attached because anyone can die.
Remender is not shy about introducing new and bizarre peoples. This world, the one they have spent the longest on so far, has prophetic, death-cult centipedes (I’d buy the comic just for that) and intelligent anthropoids. Previous books have had intelligent parasites, oversized sentient frogs, and multicultural markets. It’s a science-fiction dream.
The art is, as always, amazing. Scalera excels at creating unusual beings and odd landscapes for the travelers to visit. The centipede’s lair, the swamps, and the mountains all have a surreal beauty. This is only enhanced by Scalera’s layered, brilliant, textured work with color that adds a whole new dimension to the locations.
Black Science continues to be enthralling, intelligent, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If you’re looking for a new book to read, or if you want something to show to the people who still doubt that comics can be art, pick this one up.
Black Science #10 is available October 29, 2014 from Image Studios.
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Matteo Scalera
Painted Art by: Dean White
Letters: Rus Wooton
