(W) Tom Taylor (A) Daniele Di Nicuolo – Released 12th August 2020
Seven Secrets is an original creator owned project by Tom Taylor (yes, him again…) and Daniele Di Nicuolo, whose work I was previously unfamiliar with (MMPR: Pink, Mirrors Edge), but is a name I will be looking out for from now on.
It is published by Boom Studios, who continue to knock it out of the park with new, original titles.
All you need to know is that it is about an Ancient Order dedicated to keeping Seven Secrets (which could reshape or even destroy the world), well, secret. The members of this Order are all highly skilled and trained, and dedicate their lives to this sole purpose. It is essentially a noble life. But what happens when love occurs within the order, and that love leads to the birth of a child?
There are some structural similarities to the likes of Saga. Forbidden love. A child the product of that love. The narration device used. Yet this all manages to feel fresh and new. The structure may be similar but the setting and mythology could not be more different.
And just like Saga, with Fiona Staples stellar artwork, Di Nicuolo’s elevates this title even higher. It is fast paced, action packed and almost Manga-esque. Special mention also to Walter Baiamonte and Katia Ranalli’s colours and Ed Dukeshire’s letters. Everything meshes together brilliantly and it has more of the feel of a European, cosmopolitan comic than an American one.
And that last page? Tom Taylor, you continue to break our hearts you brilliant bastard.
Simply essential.