The first Coda series by Simon Spurrier and Matias Bergara is a comic book I heard many good things about. When it was announced that Spurrier and Bergara were returning with a follow-up to Coda I was interested to see if it’s a series I could jump into. With a brand new first issue I wanted to see how as a new reader I would be able to get into Coda with the 2023 series. I got the chance to check out an early copy of the series debut. Find out how it turned out with our advance review of Coda #1.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Matias Bergara
Colorist: Michael Doig
Letterer: Jim Campbell
SOLICITATION
“In this brand new adventure in the Eisner Award-Nominated apocalyptic fantasy world of Coda, the despondent bard Hum finds a slice of tranquility with his wife, the Urken named Serka, in an ever-darkening, magic-less apocalypse – or so it seems.
Prophecies of paradise and the return of magic? Hum is skeptical, while Serka faces difficult moral decisions on the road, with winter quickly approaching…
New and returning fans alike shouldn’t miss the highly anticipated return of Coda from GLAAD Media Award winning writer Simon Spurrier (Damn Them All, The Flash) and EW’s 2019 Artist of the Year Mat as Bergara (Step By Bloody Step)!” – BOOM! Studios
REVIEW
Immediately Coda #1 grabs your attention through the style it exudes. While this is a follow up from a first volume the presentation of the story doesn’t make this feel like an unwelcome visitor to the world. Rather you are welcomed right in to wanting to find out what surprises the post-apocalyptic fantasy world Coda #1 presents to us.
It speaks to how well Simon Spurrier and Matias Bergara compliment one another that the world comes across as lively as it does. Bergara’s artwork has a great combination of bright fantasy, with the great coloring from Michael Doig, and hard edge that you expect from a post-apocalyptic setting. Whether its character designs or locations, there are things that catch your eye as the reader both in the foreground and background. This creates a sense of wonder as to what we will discover with each page you turn of Coda #1.
All that wonder is enhanced by how Spurrier captures the voice of the lead character. Specifically, when it comes to making sure to not lose the his voice during the long stretches of inner monologue. Everything is presented from Hum’s perspective. It both helps give greater context to the world and helps shape Hum’s perspective on the state of this fantasy world.
At the same time, Spurrier makes sure to capture the unique voice of every character we come across. Each group of characters provides greater depth to how unique each location in Coda is. The characters are reflective of their setting. This enhances the investment in the politics and relationships we see explored.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The pure imagination in every panel of Coda #1 makes this a home run of a start for this series. The way all these fantasy characters deal with a post-apocalyptic setting keeps your attention from beginning to end. It is a great entry point for the world created by Simon Spurrier and Matias Bergara.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10