Carlos Yacolca, Michelle Lino, and their team deliver a gritty and intense vision of the apocalypse in Before We Sail. This comic drops readers into the immediate aftermath of a global catastrophe, following protagonists Jonathan and Kath as they desperately try to escape the ravaged city of Lima and find refuge at sea. While the journey has its share of bumps, the art and an underlying message make Before We Sail a noteworthy read.
The comic immediately sets a somber tone. We’re introduced to a man on the brink, gun in hand, hinting at the desperate measures people are forced to consider. From there, we’re thrown into the chaotic world of Jonathan and Kath. Artist Michelle Lino’s work shines here, with striking panel layouts and effective use of empty space that make moments like a blood splatter scene truly impactful. Her ability to convey action sequences is exceptional; panels overflow with detail, whether it’s a messy, blood-soaked hideout or claustrophobic hordes of zombies. The container yard, for instance, is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with bodies and gore creating a palpable sense of dread. Lino’s strong sense of movement guides the reader seamlessly through the story, and the bold, often splattered, lettering effectively amplifies the on-page action, though occasionally you might need a second look to discern who’s speaking.
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The first chapter wastes no time, dropping us right into the thick of it with Jonathan and Kath navigating a zombie-infested office building. A particularly gruesome encounter with a “zombie” that refuses to stay down sets off a chain reaction, leading to hordes of undead swarming our heroes. This visceral opening quickly establishes the high stakes of their world.
As the story progresses, we learn more about the dire state of Peru, a country unprepared for such a crisis due to a lack of weapons and medicine. Jonathan and Kath’s goal is clear: find a boat. Their desperate search leads them to an encounter with some unsavory characters. Here, the dynamics between Jonathan and Kath begin to unfold, as Jonathan’s compassionate nature clashes with Kath’s more pragmatic, hardened approach. The introduction of Angel, a gang member who reluctantly joins their ranks, further complicates their journey and adds an intriguing layer to the group’s evolving morality.
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The quest for supplies and a safe passage continues to be fraught with peril and difficult decisions. A particularly intense confrontation at a beach introduces the enigmatic Ayles, and a shocking revelation about Kath’s friend. These moments highlight the harsh realities of their new world, where survival often comes at a steep moral cost.
The narrative reaches a fever pitch in Chapter 5. The sheer scale of the zombie threat is powerfully conveyed through Lino’s art as an entire gang is wiped out. This devastation leads to a series of frantic events: Jonathan’s heroic, if ill-advised, attempt to rescue someone, Kath’s brutal confrontation with Ayles, and Angel’s shocking actions that send Jonathan hurtling towards Kath. The final chapters explore the emotional fallout of their journey, particularly for Kath as she grapples with regret and loss. There’s a powerful message woven throughout about the importance of being a good person and the necessity of unity in the face of overwhelming odds.
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While Before We Sail delivers a visually compelling and emotionally resonant story, there are some noticeable areas that could be refined. The dialogue, at times, feels stilted and unnatural. Awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and unclear context can occasionally pull you out of the narrative. Jonathan’s journal entries, while intended to provide insight into his thoughts, sometimes suffer from this same issue, making it hard to follow his deeper reflections.
Despite these minor narrative hiccups, Yacolca’s Before We Sail stands out as a poignant and often brutal look at an apocalypse from a unique perspective. Michelle Lino’s art is a major highlight, expertly conveying the dread, tension, and claustrophobia of a world overrun by the undead. The comic’s underlying message of grit, open communication, and tenacity in the face of crisis resonates strongly, making this a worthwhile read for fans of post-apocalyptic tales.
‘Before We Sail’ Review: A Gruesome Yet Heartfelt Voyage Through the Apocalypse
Yacolca’s Before We Sail stands out as a poignant and often brutal look at an apocalypse from a unique perspective. Michelle Lino’s art is a major highlight, expertly conveying the dread, tension, and claustrophobia of a world overrun by the undead. The comic’s underlying message of grit, open communication, and tenacity in the face of crisis resonates strongly, making this a worthwhile read for fans of post-apocalyptic tales.
