Assorted Crisis Events #3 has done it again. Writer Deniz Camp and artist Eric Zawadzki, along with colorist Jordie Bellaire and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, have crafted a masterful and thought-provoking installment in this unique series, delivering what might be the most relevant and impactful single issue of a comic in 2025.
This issue shifts its focus to the parallel, near-identical towns of Hearth-One and Hearth-Two. Hearth-One exists in a reality much like our own, grappling with climate change and political polarization, yet maintaining a semblance of normalcy. Hearth-Two, however, has succumbed to a devastating environmental catastrophe, forcing its residents to seek refuge in the seemingly stable Hearth-One.
What unfolds is a chillingly familiar story of initial compassion giving way to resentment, fear, and ultimately, dehumanization. Camp portrays the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which the “Hearthlings” of the surviving world begin to otherize their desperate counterparts. The initial welcoming spirit of “Love thy Neighbor,” the town’s motto, erodes under the strain of increased population and perceived inconvenience, revealing the fragility of empathy in the face of perceived scarcity.
Credit: Image Comics
Camp’s writing is sharp and unflinching. He doesn’t shy away from drawing parallels to real-world refugee crises and the insidious nature of xenophobia. The dialogue, while grounded in the specific context of Hearth, carries a universal weight, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about societal responses to the “other.” The plot unfolds with a deliberate pace, allowing the slow burn of prejudice and the tragic consequences of its escalation to land with significant impact.
Zawadzki’s art is exceptional in its ability to convey both the similarities and the subtle yet crucial differences between the two Hearths and their inhabitants. His character work is particularly strong, with expressive faces that capture the emotional toll of the crisis on both sides. The visual mirroring of layouts between the two realities, a striking technique employed throughout the issue, underscores the shared humanity of the two populations while simultaneously highlighting the devastating impact of their differing circumstances.
Bellaire’s color work is equally crucial, establishing distinct palettes for each Hearth that subtly reinforce their respective states. The warmer, more familiar tones of Hearth-One contrast with the harsher, more desaturated hues of the ravaged Hearth-Two, adding another layer of visual storytelling. Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering is clean and effective, ensuring the dialogue flows seamlessly and enhances the overall reading experience.
Credit: Image Comics
Assorted Crisis Events #3 is a challenging read, not because of its complexity, but because of its unflinching portrayal of human nature under duress. It holds a mirror up to our own world, forcing us to examine our biases and the ease with which compassion can be eroded by fear and self-interest. While some might find the allegorical nature of the story to be somewhat direct, in the current climate, its clarity feels less like preaching and more like a necessary warning.
‘Assorted Crisis Events’ #3 Review: Unsettling Brilliance
Assorted Crisis Events #3 is a challenging read, not because of its complexity, but because of its unflinching portrayal of human nature under duress. It holds a mirror up to our own world, forcing us to examine our biases and the ease with which compassion can be eroded by fear and self-interest. While some might find the allegorical nature of the story to be somewhat direct, in the current climate, its clarity feels less like preaching and more like a necessary warning.
