Wow. Here we have a rather unique series from Image in the form of Mind the Gap. I’ll be honest, I haven’t read too many comics like this. I’m used to the more action packed superhero adventure titles or the dark and gritty Detective Comics. But I’ve never read a comic like this, and you know what?  It’s good… like really REALLY good.

Here’s the official description from Image:

After Elle Peterssen is mysteriously attacked on a Manhattan subway platform, she is left in a coma, the only clues to her attacker trapped inside her mind. No one knows the identity of the person behind this brutal beating or where they will strike next. In this ALL-NEW ONGOING series, everyone is suspect, and no one is innocent. USAToday calls it an “anxiously anticipated modern thriller…Whodunit? McCann’s done it again.”

Eisner-winning writer JIM McCANN joins RODIN ESQUEJO (MORNING GLORIES) and SONIA OBACK (S.H.I.E.L.D., The Defenders) unite for a psychological thriller that will leave you guessing at every turn!

I was speechless for a few minutes after reading this comic. By the middle you’re so absorbed in the story that you block out everything around you. It’s that good.

Let’s start with the premise, which is so damn intriguing and mind bending. Our main character Elle is in a coma with her spirit separated from herself. While it may sound a bit on the fantasy side, it’s still one of the more realistic comics I’ve read in a long time. Writer Jim McCann does a great job establishing the world surrounding Elle with such well-written characters. Everyone is different, it feels like a comic version of a really good soap opera.

The art is great. There’s something very dynamic about it, the detail to the characters is incredible. There’s also some sort of ‘gloss’ that gives it a ghostly effect. Good stuff. The writing here puts a lot of comics currently on the stands to shame. There’s a lot of conflicting character dynamics, especially with Elle’s brother and his attitude toward her. Then there’s the whole ‘how was she assaulted’ mystery. There are two ‘villains’ so far, it should be interesting to see who they are and what’s their reasoning behind all this. Also, the ending is really intriguing, if it’s any indication, the story looks to ‘go places.’

Overall, this a gem of a comic. The story is really unique and really draws the reader in. The characters are great, no one-dimensional people here. What’s interesting is that this is not a mini-series, so it should be something to see how it’s going to keep the mystery alive as an ongoing series. Either way, I really encourage that you pick up Mind the Gap #1,  you will not be disappointed. ($2.99 for such a great story? Yes.)

5/5