It such a pleasure to stumble across a comic that grips you from the beginning with not only great storytelling but simply fantastic artwork. The Cull from award-winning writer Kelly Thompson (Black Cloak) and outstanding artist Mattia De Iulis (Captain America) did just that with perfect blend of horror and mystery.

The Cull begins with five friends, setting off to shoot a short film on a forbidden rock near their home. The summer before they all go their separate ways, they must have one last adventure. But, that’s not the only reason they’re there. One of them has lied, and that lie will change their lives forever.

Thompson does a wonderful job at storytelling through the first volume of The Cull, but one of the most striking aspects of the series is the utter realism and detailed artwork from De Iulis. Each and every panel is throughly and expertly crafted with precision. The line between photo realism and comic book artwork is blurred to create a truly visual masterpiece. Additionally, the colors are magnificent – from the golden hour of sunset to the somber hues of nightfall. The Cull is one of the most beautiful comics of the past 12 months hands down.’

The stunning visuals don’t stop at the artwork. The superb lettering from industry veteran Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou adds another layer to the story in such a meaningful way. While it’s understated, it plays a crucial role in conveying emotions and setting the tone of each scene. The lettering is impeccably designed and blends seamlessly with the artwork. It’s a testament to how well the team behind the comic book works together.

The Cull‘s outstanding visuals are a testament to the success of the series, but as someone who loves coming-of-age tales, we found this comic extremely easy to connect with overall. The characters are all distinct, with unique personalities and motivations. While we came for the artwork, we definitely stayed for the story.

The Cull by Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis is a phenomenal addition to the comic world. The outstanding artwork in addition to the wonderful storytelling makes this series a comic of the year a candidate for damn sure!

The collected edition of The Cull is available at your local comic shop and bookstores everywhere from Image Comics.