The Mainstream #1 Review

Shudder at the Thought

Written by: Michael Dolce and Talent Caldwell
Art by: Tony Moy, Jorge Cortes, and Michael Dolce
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018
Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment

There are people on this Earth that do not belong. It's up to a Chicago detective and a covert, interdimensional police force to send them back where they came from! Don't miss this brand new five issue mini-series from the creative minds of Michael Dolce, Talent Caldwell, Tony Moy, and Darren Sanchez.

The issue begins with a little bit of background to the world and concept of Mainstream, but mostly it begins with a gruesome crime scene that throws you into the fire...the bloody, face-eating fire.  We meet Nate, a cop with a unique ability, but for the moment, it's all about the mood and it's pretty cool, helped by the really good art.

While the unexplained murder that started the book is driving the narrative, we take some time out to get to know Nate a little better.  He has a unique ability to see things "shudder", which he explains as seeing something that really doesn't belong...like himself.  While everything is still a mystery, this scene connects with the first one to get you on your way to wrapping your head (a bit) about what might be going on in general and in this particular case.  A case that suddenly has a new lead.

Nate and his partner, Dex, head off to Paradigm industries where the killer (and the victim?!?) from the beginning and while you still have to read a bit between the lines, it's getting clearer what's happening in the here and now.  It's the big picture that's still a mystery and that's the intrigue of this first issue.

The issue ends with a bit of a reveal, but Michael Dolce and Talent Caldwell are still not ready to show their hand.  It's a risky move for the beginning of a new series, but it's obvious they are banking on the intrigue and (hopefully) the awesomeness of what will be revealed down the line.  While I am a dummy and usually need my hand held a bit, I liked this first issue and will be checking out the next to learn more.  The art and story definitely scratch an itch with it's X-Files and Sliders vibe and if that sort of thing is also your cup of tea, check it out.

Bits and Pieces:

This first issue sets up a bit of the world(s) of Mainstream, but Michael Dolce and Talent Caldwell are more about the mood, the mystery, and the intrigue.  Tony Moy's art certainly helps with the first and while there aren't many answers to be found yet, the questions have me looking forward to the next issue.

8.0/10