World War X: Book 1 - Helius review

This week, Titan Comics continues to bring us translations of comics from across the English Channel - this time with the first instalment of Peter Snejbjerg and Jerry Frissen's World War X.

Mankind has stumbled upon an ancient mystery - gigantic stone slabs marked with writing in an unknown script, seemingly part of an alien technology that could become a source of unlimited energy.

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But something ancient and terrible is waking up, dropping a cast of characters including Tara and Adesh, estranged couple and scientists working on the project; the unnaturally long-lived Helius, who is more than a man; and a nameless woman with a sinister plan.

We know Danish artist Snejbjerg best for his work on the latter half of DC's landmark series Starman. His heavy shadows add a layer of mystery to the events, and recall the world of Mike Mignola's Hellboy/BPRD universe (one Snejbjerg has, indeed, contributed to).

The monstrous threat that emerges is not frustratingly and needlessly hidden by the darkness, but outlined by it in a way that makes it all the more weird and sinister. Delphine Rieu makes use of a cool and muted palette, with a virulent green reserved for highlighting the invasion of the alien into our world.

On occasion Snejbjerg faces appear strangely blank, but for the most part are richly animated - usually in shock or horror - considering the relative sparseness of his line.

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Frissen and Snejbjerg create a pacy narrative, switching back and forth between various streams from page to page, managing to avoid confusing snarls even when leaping back into the distant past. Frissen is happy to let the art speak for itself, sparing us unnecessary dialogue and narration and enhancing the smoothness of the reading experience.

The alien threat, though eerie, is also eerily familiar, and isn't the only common trope made use of in World War X. When compared to the surprises the story has in store, these can feel a little limp and lazy in comparison.

The first book in the World War X series sticks to safe ground, but offers up sufficient mysteries and style to keep us engaged and intrigued.

World War X: Book 1 - Helius is available from Titan Comics now.