Babble is made by up and coming indie creators Lee Robson and  Bryan Coyle. The concept takes the idea of the tower of babel and twists it, through a scientific and supernatural lense in the form of a mystery. The story is extremely personal and will weigh heavy on the heart, even in a first read.

Protagonist Carrie is supposedly given a second chance when she is offered a new job from her ex-boyfriend Allen. Carrie has an immense amount of personal baggage from her last relationship and hopes to set things right. Writer Lee Robson knows how Carrie thinks and gets to know her in an intimate setting, without ever meeting the character. Many strong willed women have the same burdens as Carrie, as they are afraid of intimate emotion or getting too close. As a main character the leading lady works well, due to her being so neurotic. The audience is quick to root for her from the opening pages of the comic book. The fantasy trope of leaving your boring life behind to start a brand new one is endearing.

While this story works on a personal level it also offers the reader a sort of zombie movie approach with a mystery at the center of the comic. This is a diverse title that will offer readers something besides capes and cowls. The storytelling is non-linear in a format that adds higher stakes to stories by showing you the end of them. A post apocalyptic setting is shown in this brilliant flash of yellow pages that makes readers nervous. A blue tone is used for a more comfortable character based setting. The difference between them and three elements of the comic itself make this story something special. A good device is likely to flat without a good narrative, but this is where Robson delivers. The three personalities of the story will leave readers extremely engrossed in the narrative. With a personal character study, a central mystery, and elements of a zombie movie this title is something special. The specific color tones of the title consistently draw readers in and were a strong stylistic choice by both creators.

While the story is very enjoyable the ending is also very grim. This sort of tone was alluded too well in the book. Many readers will be able to guess the end, however the exact way it happens leaves an emotional punch from the creators. Coyle and Robson will no doubt leave most readers devastated upon closing the book in many cases. The truly great aspect about this series and many other stories with supernatural devices, is that these elements can be taken as an extended metaphor. At the end of the story Carrie is emotionally and physically devastated. When reading Babble set aside all expectations and enjoy the story for what it has to offer.

 4/5