Wynd # 1
Boom Comics
Written by: James Tynion IV
Illustrated by: Michael Dialynas
Lettered by: Aditya Bidikar
The opening sequence of Boom Comics “Wynd” issue 1 features a brilliantly illustrated transformation of the titular character. Michael Dialynas uses these panels to present a preview of this comics style. Meanwhile, we also get a hint a the unorthodox tone James Tynion IV plans to present as well.
Wynd’s story takes place in Pipetown. I can best describe this as a kingdom where things move via interconnecting pipelines. After first meeting Wynd during what we discover was a dream or foreshadowing, he is being awakened by Oakley. I thought that James Tynion uses his characters wisely during conversations. Rather than provide unnecessary conversations, each time characters speak we learn more about the kingdom and the people who live within it. It doesn’t take much talking before we discover the history of the kingdom and why Wynd’s dream was so frightening.
It seems the people of Pipetown are fighting against the spread of an “infection” of magic. This transforms the townspeople into various creatures. We witness the fear of this treat during an exchange between Thorn and his father. Detailing the destruction of a village by Spryties, which turned them into plants, you can get a real ominous tone from this book. Similarly, the arrival of the Bandaged Man presents a interesting villain, arriving to root out any remaining infected in Pipetown.
When Wynd sprints off on a break from work, I certainly didn’t expect a voyeuristic moment to take place. Oakley’s reaction to Wynd during the dream sequence was also quite comical. What could have been a scary tale takes breaks and makes you say, “I did not see that coming.” Moments like this are the most magical thing about this book. It seems like every panel brought a new breeze blowing though which I found quite refreshing. I have to say this book is quite amusing and I wonder how the “winds” will shift in this book.