Telling a story featuring some sort of special powers can be a difficult task as they tend to get comparison to big-two superhero comics, but Tini Howard and Amilcar Pinna have crafted something truly unique with Sicko, a story that the blends heart with action in a fresh way.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…at least, that’s what healthy people say.
Valentine Virago has always struggled with her health. Her rare autoimmune disorder has defied all treatment, and as she grew older, it defied even classification. You see, Valentine can take her immune system and weaponize it. What would just be a normal sneeze to the rest of us, she can turn into a projectile of bloody miasma. Just as a start.
Fed up with being a test subject, poked and prodded by pushy doctors, Valentine has gone on the lam in search of the freedom to be herself. Unfortunately, interested parties want her back in their care, and they are sending goons in hazmat suits. Led by Jono, her one-time nurse and potential love interest, they’re offering her a spot in a private medical facility run by Jono’s parents. Val isn’t one for institutions, however, and what some may see as a safe haven, she sees as a prison— and who wants to be trapped in a prison, when you’re already trapped in your own body?
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this comic was much anticipated as something I wanted to explore due to personal reasons. My, now 5-year-old, son has struggled with health issues since birth, including struggles with his immune system and a blood disorder. This has been tough on my wife and I and seeing a story where the protagonist deals with serious health issues, but using these to fight back was something I needed in my life.
Howard creates a story that not only resonated with me on a personal level, but what the is simply unique and fresh in the wide world of comics. Taking a health disorder and weaponizing against those who want to use her is just something I never thought I would type out, but here we are and even without the personal connection, I am here for it.
The debut issue of Sicko is built in a way that you have no choice but to understand the cards Valentine has been dealt, building on the emotional stakes. As the issue progresses you cannot help but wholeheartedly root for her, even if she is using these special powers to hurt others. It’s heartbreaking to see what Valentine has to deal with, but also not for the faint of heart with the attacks she makes on others. Not a comic I would’ve been down to read in the heart of the pandemic, that’s for sure.
Sicko seems to be geared towards those fans of superhero/supervillain comics, while also carving its own path in independent comics. There are horror vibes, while also some emotional drama. A well rounded story that is just getting started.
Pinna’s artwork is something of a spectacle as well, bringing together intimate moments along with some stellar illustrations when things start to kick up a notch. Taking the weaponization of this autoimmune disorder and visualizing it so we understand what is happening doesn’t seem like an easy feat, but Pinna as well as colorist Amanda Grazini seemed to do it with ease. Also, some of the angles are fantastic!
Sicko is a fresh new series blending raw emotion with some suspense horrify moments. Tini Howard transforms illness into something compelling and visualized by Amilcar Pinna in a way that is beautiful, yet terrifying. I’m all in to see where Valentine Virago’s story goes next.
Sicko #1 hits local comic shops on July 22, 2026 from Ignition Press.
Sicko #1 Preview
