Over the years, David Marquez has been well-known among comic book enthusiasts as an elite artist, earning Eisner nominations and New York Times bestseller status by shaping the visual identity of prominent characters in hit series like Marvel’s “Miles Morales: Spider-Man” and DC’s “Batman/Superman”. In his new venture, “The UnChosen“, Marquez steps into uncharted territory, taking on both writing and artistic duties for his first self-created project. The series boasts an interesting background, initially launching on the digital subscription platform Zestworld before being adapted by Image Comics into a four-issue print miniseries. This shift from webcomic format to traditional Western publishing results in a debut that is rich with intriguing concepts but finds it challenging to provide adequate space for their development.
Title #1: The UnChosen initiates readers into a gripping tale that unfolds across two intriguingly confusing timeframes labeled “Then” and “Now.” In the “Then” episodes, we encounter 13-year-old Aida as she wakes up solitarily in the middle of a colossal crater, a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, devoid of any recollections from her past. She is instantly plunged into a battle she can’t grasp, pursued by soldiers and trapped between two factions of supernaturally gifted beings. The “Now” setting transports us to what appears to be a later phase, where Aida attends an enigmatic boarding school for exceptionally talented children. These pupils are being tutored to control a power known as “The Word,” but Aida struggles to manifest the same abilities as her peers. Her strong-willed and rebellious nature soon places her at odds with both the school’s administration and resident tormentor, Ezra.
In The Unchosen, Marquez skillfully weaves an intriguing puzzle that captivates readers. Key elements left unanswered include the nature of “The Word,” its connection to the mysterious crater event and Aida, as well as the identities and motives of the two powerful factions pursuing the girl. Readers are left guessing who leads these groups, but it’s clear that one is headed by Aida’s apparent guardians, Alex and Vasha. This mystery is expertly crafted to keep readers eagerly awaiting its resolution, as Marquez cleverly ties together elements from different timelines through the revelation that figures from Aida’s school are the same ones who save her in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Despite its intriguing plot elements, The UnChosen #1 appears to be overly complex and at times confusing. To begin with, the comic combines the familiar themes of a magic school story with a complicated post-apocalyptic sci-fi enigma, leaving readers unsure of their connection, resulting in a disjointed experience. Moreover, since the first issue fails to clarify the state of this post-apocalyptic world, we’re left guessing about the primary dangers faced by The Unchosen.
Additionally, while the action scenes occupy several pages and are visually engaging, the powers of each participant remain disappointingly unclear. Characters exhibit powerful energy blasts, but without a clear grasp of the guidelines governing their abilities, the significance of these confrontations is lessened. If we can’t discern who possesses what abilities, there’s no real sense of peril.
This slow-moving pace might be a consequence of transforming a story from a serialized webcomic into a condensed print format, as elements that may have been manageable in smaller online chapters seem overwhelming in a single issue. However, it is a point worth considering.
In “The Unchosen,” Marquez’s artwork truly outshines other aspects. His manga-influenced drawings, characterized by dynamic movement, are vividly presented throughout the book, making it a standout feature. The action scenes are a blur of motion, featuring smooth choreography and intense energy effects that seem to leap from the pages. This is beautifully contrasted with Marissa Louise’s color work, which masterfully sets the tone for each timeline. The “Then” sequences are depicted in muted, dusty tones of ochre and gray, emphasizing the desolation of the world, while the “Now” school scenes, despite their tension, are rendered in a lush green palette, making them distinct.
Essentially, The Unchosen #1 is an eye-catching first installment brimming with thought-provoking ideas. Though it falters slightly under the pressure of its grand aspirations, its captivating enigma and stunning visuals make it an enticing, if imperfect, launch for a potentially excellent miniseries.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Based on The Unchosen #1, what were your thoughts? Are you planning to continue with the series by picking up the following episodes? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below!
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2025-07-09 15:10