Far Down Below is a journey into the unknown filled with mystery, nostalgia, and adventure. Written by Chris Condon and illustrated by Gegê Schall, Far Down Below is brimming with captivating storytelling and phenomenal artwork set against the backdrop of an Eastern Pennsylvania suburb in 1983.
In the muggy Pennsylvania summer of 1983, teen friends Jeff and Brian seek escape from rainy day boredom by exploring Brian’s abandoned — and apparently haunted — family home on the other side of town. What they find instead is a secret that will unlock the doors to adventure and danger as they descend beneath the surface, encounter terrifyingly strange creatures, and journey far, far down below to discover a strange new world… and themselves.
The premiere issue, first chapter in the collected edition, of Far Down Below was enough to get me hooked into the series. Not only was the artwork extremely fitting for the tale at hand, but the mystery, intrigue, and the unknown was just what I had hoped this series would be filled with.
While at its core Far Down Below is a story about friendship, family, and adventure, there is an undercurrent of horror and science fiction that adds to the story without bloating the plot. The dialogue between Mike and Brian feels authentic, reflecting their camaraderie. innocence, and at times fear. Condon’s ability to weave these moments together creates elements that enrich the story beyond just plain and overdone childhood exploits.
Perfectly complementing Condon’s excellent storytelling is the outstanding illustrations and colors by Schall. Each page brings a new mystery with a remarkable blend of young adult storytelling and a Jules Verne style of adventure. The artwork throughout the series is nothing short of amazing; each panel brings a youthful feel while also a suspenseful tension. The colors evoke both nostalgia for past times, but also new adventures. While Condo’s writing is excellent, Schall’s artwork takes center stage and engrossing us in the mystery at hand. Not only is the artwork fantastic, the layout and design of the issue enhances the reading experience.
Far Down Below is an exploration of discovery and danger. Chris Condon’s fantastic blend of intrigue, horror, and science fiction along with Gegê Schall’s phenomenal artwork, this series is one of the most fun comics to read this year.
The collected edition of Far Down Below hits local comic shops and bookstores everywhere on December 24, 2025 from Mad Cave Studios.
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