Invasive is a disturbing comic book that explores the terrifying world of illegal surgeries, but disturbingly more. Set in a city where a new underground hospital has just opened its doors, Invasive introduces us to a group of rogue surgeons who have taken it upon themselves to pierce the final threshold of accepted medical orthodoxy. They are ready to break every taboo and rule in the book.
From the very first page of Invasive, we are thrown into the dark and twisted world of the story. The comic is written by Eisner Award nominee Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Nightwalkers, A Legacy of Violence) and illustrated by the talented Jesus Hervás (The Empty Man, The Approach). The story revolves around Dr. Carrie Reynolds, a trauma surgeon, and her daughter Heather. Heather is a recovering plastic surgery addict who disappears and reemerges in a catatonic state with her vocal cords removed. This is just one in a series of victims of a medical procedure system that baffles the police and leaves many citizens maimed, mutilated, or dead on arrival.
Invasive has an excellent creative team, the team behind The Empty Man, that pulls together this complex storyline. It introduces us to a new class of surgeon that will stop at nothing to achieve their aims. The alleys become their operating theater, and murder their medicine. The scalpel is their tool, and break every law and taboo in the books.
One of the most outstanding aspects of Invasive is the design of the book. The comic features panels that are stylish and aggressive, giving the reader the sense of being on a wild roller coaster ride. The colors are washed out, with a lot of greys and browns, creating a sense of decay and corruption. The lettering by Tyler Esposito is also fantastic, with the different fonts adding to the overall effect of the comic book.
Another major impression that Invasive leaves is its length. The debut issue is extra long, over 30 pages. This is great as it allows Bunn and Hervás to establish the story and introduce the characters in depth.
Invasive explores the dark side of the medical profession. The illustrations, storyline, and design of the book all work together to create a thrilling, disturbing, action-packed ride. The comic is not for everyone, as it features disturbing scenes and a lot of gore, but if you are a fan of horror and thrillers, then this is a must-read for you. The creative team has done an excellent job of pulling together an impressive debut issue that will leave readers eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Invasive #1 hit local comic shops on December 13, 2023 from Oni Press.
Invasive #1 Preview
