Low, Vol. 1: The Delirium of Hope

This is a gorgeous and weird read that might not be for everyone. Hidden amongst the fiery colors and wild, sometimes surreal art, is a story that's centered around hope and perseverance. I don't think I've ever come across a comic that is as imaginative nor one whose narrative strives for optimism. Typically mature story telling leans on pessimism and doom-and-gloom to drive their characters forward, but here, it's the inner strength and belief in hope. I haven't read a story that has so explicitly or on-the-nose been about being optimistic despite seeming like the world is against you, and it's refreshing to be in the head space of a character that's so nurturing and self confident.For me, this is one of the most uplifting and motivating reads I have ever come across, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Highly, highly recommend for anyone who wants to read something different or needs an pick-me-up

PLOT- In short this is a science fiction piece about the fate of mankind that has built an underwater city to escape the sun's expanding supernova.ACTION/PACING- Lots of action, fighting and it kept the pace going strong. You will want to read this in one sitting. I tried to, but was pulled away by other engagements. LOW earns it's M rating for tons of fighting, gore, sex, and drug use that you will want more and more of. Orgies, psychedelics, and dismemberment? (not all in one scene, that'd be gross) What else do you need?STORY- This is a volume 1 and much of the beginning is getting the reader introduced to the word and to the characters. Once we get a bearing of the story, it moves along rapidly and keeps the reader engaged. The word that is created surrounds everything and is something I love about Remender. If you love interesting worlds and creatures, you will like this. In fact, if you liked Black Science, just stop reading now and go get this. I liked Black Science more, but they had a more fun concept to play with.ART- I loved the art of this book and I know some people haven't so here we go. A common complaint I've seen is that the art work is "blurred" or "sketchy" (as in art, not dubious) and at times, it is. The artwork is still gorgeous and to be honest I spent more time admiring it than I do most modern comics. For a comic about the dark depths of the ocean/sea this works very well in my opinion. As the depths of the sea still remain a mystery it feels right to have it drawn as such. Does every image need to be drawn with clean crisp outlines to get the message across? For scenes like explosions, orgies, and the ocean floor, I don't think so. It works to get the point in the eyes/mind of the reader and sets the mood in doing so.Don't judge this based upon its art style, it works for the genre and setting of this story. Sin City is heavily stylized in black/white because it is noir. Eddie Campbell's sketch-y rendition of From Hell adds to the bleak and dreariness of London during the Jack the Ripper killings. Charles Schulz's simplicity and expression add to the charm of Peanuts. The art of Greg Tocchini is not strictly modern comic book style art, at least not in LOW. /rant [sorry]RECOMMEND IF YOU LIKE- Black Science and Deadly Class- Hey, it's Rick Remender. Also Pacific since its all... water-y.TL;DR- good action, not modern comic book style [but still great], interesting and enveloping world, if you liked Black Science, get this.

I am writing this review for volume 1 as it stands. Some will not give a full (or empty) star review as they feel they can't write for a continuing series... However, with all we have, I can only judge LOW by its current merits, which is volume 1. This will be spoiler free. Also, for context, I am not a "comic" guy; I'm not involved in the comic sub-culture or a heavy consumer. I read a few stories and that is it... With that I may have less refined taste but I'm also less entitled than the hardcore community. Take this as you will.Story: A captivating tale that focuses on family and philosophical approaches to problem-solving. There is a serious pacing to the work which keeps you reading. I took it in one sitting even with work early the next morning so that is a good sign. The action is well-balanced and believable, and you keep turning the pages with anticipation. Uplifting even if sometimes quite mature and unforgiving; therefore much like the world as we adults experience it.Writing: Rick Remender is the reason I read comics right now. Reviews seem to be critical of his newer work, but I think he is incredible. He hasn't lost any of his touch in Low, in my opinion, and his work is as fresh and envisioned as ever.Characters: From the above great writing, you get wonderful characters. In my opinion, the characters in Low were so alive and didn't rest on tropes... I really appreciated that. Additionally, I never really knew who would make it and who wouldn't and I appreciated that too. Some less-traditional character types carry this story and they do so in such a convincing way you wonder why anyone clings to the standardized characterizations to make stories (usually because brave diversions fall flat... not here)!Art: I loved it. I am very, very picky about my art and have a specific style I like. I prefer more "art" heavy looks that are smoother and "wetter". This series definitely has that. Greg did a fantastic job making his art fit the world of the characters--sometimes to the point of me feeling like I had their perspective of the world around them through his art. This of course though is just aesthetic preference, some may be turned off by his style. It wasn't distracting though in my opinion as another reviewer suggested. Quite easy to follow.World: Fascinating. A whole new angle to science fiction. The premise is hard sci-fi but the creation and feeling of the world is slightly more fantastical. It was a great balance and truly a refreshing change from another outer space adventure.Conclusion--If you are on the edge, dive in. Low will not disappoint.

The story, the art, the universe. This is just a really well created series, the story is titillating, you don't want to put it down, the characters are memorable and you really invest in them, and the universe is completely absurd yet believable. The world created makes sense, and I can NOT wait for the next story. As someone who eats comic books alive (I've done DMZ, Y the last man, Saga, Deadly Class just to name a FEW), it was so nice to have a new series to read. Also... just beautiful art. READ IT. it's great.

Buen TPB, tanto que me hizo conseguir la edición en formato gigante deluxe de Image, porque el dibujo es ES-PEC-TA-CU-LAR.

Um trabalho excepcional que a muito esperava ler. e rapidamente chegou a minha casa. Grato.

Lo amé! Inicialmente lo compré sin saber de qué iba, solo me gustó la portada y no era caro, me lleve la mejor sorpresa! Soy fanatica del Scifi con temática acuática, muy poca gente lo maneja así de bien! Los dibujos de Tocchini son increíbles y la historia de remender se desarrolla con un buen ritmo, ni lento ni rápido, todo encaja perfectamente y te mantiene al filo del asiento.La temática es que la humanidad tuvo que mudarse al fondo del mar por la radiación solar y el oxígeno es difícil de lograr, se dividen en pequeñas ciudades submarinas cada una con características muy específicas y leyes muy estrictas, la esperanza y literacion son ilegales y la protagonista busca aferrarse a su propia esperanza como sea.

Picked this up on the side of a comic order.. based pretty much on the cover and a mention of "Bioshock". Really enjoyed it, so much so I think I'll bring it to the top of my list of series to read. I'm really liking the themes of the story. The characters are great and their stories kept me interested until the end. Book has a great sense of world building and lore in a unique undersea world. I found the book very colourful, and it's one of the biggest & cheapest graphic novels I own.Only issue I found was that the art style was unique and simple at parts in a way it was a little hard to tell what's was going on, especially with detailed backgrounds.

Every single page is a masterpiece !!! Colorful and balanced , my eyes are full of joy reading it