Jay Martin has a unique ability to combine art and storytelling in ways that resonate beyond a simple comic and this goes for Yellow. Set against a grim backdrop of a Second Civil War, this graphic novel is more than just an action-packed adventure but a profound exploration of what it means to be human when society crumbles.

Set in an alternate future amid a Second Civil War, wounded infantryman Nick Carson flees the battlefield and escapes across the wasteland of war-torn America. Branded a coward and marked for death, Nick’s only hope is to get to the other side. His route takes him through a strange, ravaged country where power plants lay destroyed and once great cities have gone dark. An America at war with itself. Yellow explores what happens when society falls apart, when there is no law and order. Do we fall to our basic instincts, or can we rise above? As Nick travels, he encounters both good and evil and must choose which path he will follow.

Jay Martin once again proves his ability to not only craft well-written stories but also illustrated them in a way that helps further the narrative with such purpose. Through his illustrations, Martin captures the physical devastation and the haunting beauty that comes with destruction. The artwork serves as vessel that draws me deeper into our protagonist Nick’s world where every shadow holds potential danger or unexpected hope.

The exploration of societal collapse and human nature is one that sets Yellow apart from the rest of the crowded comic landscape. Martin manages to strike an emotional cord while telling a completely fictional thrilling tale that is all too close to real life. Telling stories that can feel ominous due to the current political and societal climate can sometimes force us to take a second look at what is going on around us in our everyday lives. Yellow is deeper than a simple graphic novel and Martin excels at telling such tales.

While Yellow is fantastically written and beautifully illustrated, one would be amiss if I didn’t mention that lettering by Frank Cvetkovic who seamlessly integrates dialogue with visual elements, enhancing readability without overpowering illustrations or plot progression.

Yellow by Jay Martin is not only a gripping read but also a poignant reflection on our own world. Yellow resonates profoundly given our societal challenges globally with its exploration into resilience amidst adversity. A comic worth reading over and over to really understand its meaning and to simply admire the talent poured into its creation.

The Yellow graphic novel hits bookstores everywhere on December 17, 2024 and local comic shops on December 18 from Dark Horse.