I’ve always been more familiar with Boom Studios character Eve by the Latin version of her name. I’ve found the names definition to be consistent whether it’s the scriptural or secular version. Eve # 2 shows the onset of the adventure of this “mother”. An adventure that seems to hint at a deeper message. One of hope, faith, and boldness.
Eve # 2
Written by: Victor LaValle
Illustrated by: Jo Mi-Gyeong
Colored by: Brittany Peer
“…directing her path forward.“
Victor LaValle opens this issue with a wisely chosen flashback aboard the Osiris space station as it orbits and monitors planet Earth. A comically cynical conversation between Eve’s father and E92 conveys the situation correctly. Earth is in bad shape and humanities hope rests on the shoulders of a child. Is it me or doesn’t that always seem to be the case? Still it’s not the most promising prospect, and I am enjoying how this comic portrays that uncertainty. Rarely does a parent get to help their child prepare for all the challenges life may bring for their destiny. LaValle cleverly avoided the awkward “getting your bearing” moment when an individual has their “reality” altered. Issue # 2 highlights how the virtual reality she lived while in stasis was not to hurt or hinder. It served as her proverbial training, directing her path forward.
Helping her along the way is Wexler. We learn this issue that was not the original designation from a flashback. Reading the dialogue between Eve’s father and E92 I noticed how differently the “robot” acted during the story versus in the past. Obviously, some programming changes occurred since E92 gives off more of a K-2S0 vibe, while Wexler seems like V.I.N.CENT. Though it was her father who “gifted” her the plushie, for me everything from the concept to design hints at a more maternal gesture. The protective nature coupled with the cuddly exterior continue the concept of life and love, something to keep you safe when I’m not here. Of course, Wexler also has a sternness when the situation arises. When Eve hesitates, the critique and correction are quick. Like a parent instructing a child, “This is what I raised you for, now go do it”.
“The hunger of those infected and how the disease affected them is uncomfortably similar to our society – to our worlds ‘behavior.’”
Since I’m throwing around the terms “mother” and “life,” I might as well bring up the Earth on page one. I actually struggled to move forward with the story because I was so awestruck by considering how breathtakingly beautifully illustrator Jo Mi-Gyeong and Brittany Peer captured her. Has Gaia ever looked more stunning? It does seem that, unlike the characters, Eve encounters later in the issue these two artists clearly trust one another. This comic illustrating our dire situation is filled with panels that are bursting with color and alive. I am amazed that a book about such a dire situation is filled with panels that are bursting with such bright colors.
Eve # 2 is a fantastic comic beginning with the concept/storytelling and continuing with the delivery of the captivating illustrations and art. LaValle allows the different dialogue(s) E92/Wexler has with Eve and her father to present the reality of our present problems and pandemics.
Eve’s Father: From here it still looks alive.
E92: Acting sad won’t fix it.
Wexler: There’s how you think people should behave and there’s how they actually behave.
Eve: Well what’s the difference?
Wexler: About eight billion lives.
The hunger of those infected and how the disease affected them is uncomfortably similar to our society – to our worlds “behavior”. Our endless cycle of consumption and craving. Also, when faced with opposing views or problems we lean in to familiar and convenient or we feel and act powerless. Finally, it is this line that is so hauntingly true for both Boom Studios Eve’s Earth and our own. I can almost hear the cold cybernetic criticism in the exchange, a machine asking a man to consider what his (and his generations) actions have led to….
E92: That true success now relies entirely on a child.
Cue Regina Belle’s “If I Could”
Score: 9.6