Ryoka is awakened by flurry of text messages from her mother! Panicked and rushed, Mom is clearly concerned for Ryoka’s safety but she is not to keen on letting her daughter know why. And the reason behind that is nothing could really properly describe what is happening! The world might be ending! And there might be an unidentifiable being on the roof of their apartment building!

This comic book introduces a dystopian scenario filled with potential but ultimately falls short. At the same time this comic book sets up an intriguing world but struggles with pacing and character development, which has left me personally with an unsatisfying experience.

The story in this comic book is set in a future where society is divided into zones, with Level X being particularly dangerous and mysterious. This setting presents opportunities for tension and drama, yet the narrative lacks clarity and cohesion. The plot jumps between scenes without providing enough context, making it difficult for me personally to fully grasp the stakes or become invested in the storyline.

The character development in this comic book is pretty minimal, with the protagonist introduced without much depth or background. Their motivations and personality are not sufficiently explored, making it challenging for me personally to connect with their journey. The supporting characters fare no better, often appearing as mere plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

The dialogues throughout this comic book feel stilted and lacks the natural flow needed to engage readers. Conversations between characters serve more as exposition rather than revealing deeper layers of personality or building meaningful relationships. This lack of engaging dialogue contributes to the overall flatness of the narrative, preventing it from resonating emotionally.

The artwork itself in this comic book is one of this comic book’s redeeming qualities. The illustrations capture the dystopian elements of the setting with a clean and expressive style. The character designs are visually appealing but do not fully compensate for the narrative’s shortcomings. While the art enhances the aesthetic appeal, it does little to elevate the story itself.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either linger without purpose or transition abruptly, disrupting the flow of the story. This inconsistency makes it challenging to maintain engagement, as the plot lacks a clear, compelling direction.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of this comic book offers a glimpse of potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the rich tapestry of this dystopian world and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5