The characters’ facial expressions are on point, very important in this kind of conspiracy mystery type of story. The colors are used to give the reader a sensation of extreme heat, soothing cold, comfort and a lot more. This has to be the best tone setting through color I’ve seen this year so far. Complementing such variety, it’s incredible what Saxson’s color work does for this comic. They reflect the importance of what’s in the panel to Aleph, giving the reading great sense of immersion, especially in the establishing panel for Laurelwood. This issue alone shows a lot of Jen Hickman’s abilities and art style containing a large variety of backgrounds which aren’t overworked but aren’t dead either.

Aleph’s comments on Laurelwood itself work as an introduction to the legend of the town but not necessarily to what it actually is, as shown in the final panel of this first issue.

The exposition is mostly focused on Aleph’s past and what took them to this point of the story. Keeping most of the storytelling to inner dialogues (or dialogues with a sort of personal assistant) and to flashbacks, Sebela exposes a lot of initial elements to the story but does so in a regular pace and with style. Despite never reading any of his writing it is quickly noticeable that he’s familiarized with the comic book medium. The perfect place for a future junkie to live. A Midwestern town, which disappeared from maps suddenly and is allegedly test-marketing the future.

Null proceeds on their quest to find a town called Laurelwood. Asking the trucker very personal questions, which really serve to reflect what sort of thoughts go through Aleph’s mind. Right off the bat, they seem a bit eccentric. We pick up with Aleph hitchhiking to the middle of nowhere, which they consider “perfect”. Check out the review for Vault‘s new sci-fi thriller.

Aleph is a body-hacker and possesses various modifications and implants in their own body. Test #1 Vault Comics Writer: Christopher Sebela Art: Jen Hickman & Harry SaxsonĪleph Null is an orphan who undergoes medical tests for a living and to support their addiction to futuristic gadgets.

Test by Christopher Sebela