Comics Review: “Injection” #1 (Image Comics)

- by Ninja Ross, 27 May 2015

Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire enjoyed a lot of success with Marvel’s “Moon Knight” series not so long ago. But, six issues in, they up and left! Disappeared! And then they announced a new project called “Injection”, to be published by Image Comics. Nobody really knew what to expect! It’s all very exciting! Well, “Injection” issue one was released two weeks ago. I am late to the party. Fashionably late!!!

Cover by Declan Shalvey. Click to enlarge.

“Injection” #1 opens with a British mental asylum by the name of Sawlung. Inside this asylum is one of the book’s major characters, Professor Maria Kilbride, who has clearly been locked up because her name is just too cool for school. She’s met by a visitor named Control, a woman working for an office within FPI (Force Projection International. Don’t ask), called Cursus.

The first few pages show a conversation between Kilbride and Control. It’s a slow, dialogue heavy introduction, but the delivery keeps things flowing smoothly, with Kilbride’s occasional distractions and Control’s smug, superior attitude. It’s dialogue done right.

This is followed by a flashback, which shows us Kilbride and a group of new characters. These characters, Robin Morel, Simon Winters, Vivek Headland and Brigid Roth, have been brought together by Lowlands University, the Ministry of Time and Measurement and the FPI.

If none of that makes any sense to you, that’s ok. Something clearly happens in this group. Something that splits everyone up and changes them drastically. You don’t end up in a mental asylum just for a cool name, despite my earlier claim. 

We see many references to an injection, which, according to the official synopsis, is the cause of the infected earth and all the insane stuff that slowly develops throughout the book, leading up to the ending off issue one where the horror aspects of the series makes itself known.

This isn't a book that aims to make sense in the first issue. Ellis has no interest in laying it all out and letting you know exactly what’s happening. Instead, his focus is more on world-building and introducing characters. The plot isn't secondary, by any means; it's just that Ellis is building that with the characters, rather than cramming it all into one issues. Basically, YOU’LL KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON WHEN WARREN ELLIS IS GOOD AND READY. 

Acronyms Anonymous

All you really need to know is there’s a group of people, the world is mad and infected, and there was an injection somewhere that sent things spiraling out of control. Done. That’s all you need. It’s not a book over-filled with explanations and wooden expository dialogue. Instead, it’s engaging and intriguing. All of the details seem just out of reach, but there’s still plenty there to keep you reading.

Ellis tends to make the setting a very important aspect of the book, which is especially evident here. Robin Morel especially, is big on Britain. He has an uncanny ear for British accents and has a lot to say about British history. Britain has never been so interesting! It helps build the book’s backdrop and really helps add extra substance to the book. Ellis makes Britain more of a character than just a setting.

Everyone in England Knows That

Overall, Ellis is on top form here. His script is smart, full of mystery and well told. He keeps details hidden and reveals everything at a slow, even pace that avoids nearly every problem that plagues first issues.

Accompanying Ellis’ script is Deland Shalvey’s art. While his work on “Moon Knight” was pretty great, he has really outdone himself on “Injection”. Shalvey provides nice, sharp line work with plenty of detail, especially in character faces, helping everyone look interesting and expressive.

Backgrounds tend to have a slightly simpler look, sometimes looking faded, but everything’s always present. It never gets in the way and does nothing but enhance the parts that matter.

As great as Shalvey’s art is, it wouldn’t be nearly as good without Jordie bellaire’s colours. Bellaire gives the book a darker edge, with her use of grimy, subdued colours. It works with Shalvey’s art and doesn’t over power it at all. It’s a major part of what makes this book look as good as it does.

Sawlung and Thanks for All the Fish!

This is a confusing, engrossing book! If you’re not big on plots that don’t make sense immediately, you still shouldn’t give Injection a miss. Read it for the interesting characters and the excellent art. Inject some AWESOME into your reading list! Puns aren't my strong suit. Just buy the book.


Did you pick up Injection on time, unlike some people? If not, why not? let us know below!

Tagged: comics, Reviews.

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