In this week's review, the comic Red Roots #1, by Lorenzo De Felici, combines action thriller with domestic horror in a parallel narrative. On one hand, Sand, a special operations agent executing a suicide attack against his former employers; on the other, Kate, a high school teacher whose routine is shattered when she finds something macabre in her own home. De Felici's writing makes both protagonists compelling, generating constant intrigue about their possible connection.
The narrative engine: two tones, one rhythm ðŸŽ
De Felici handles the rhythm with skill: Sand's panels are fast, with sharp cuts and explosions reminiscent of a shooter video game. In contrast, Kate's rely on silences, close-ups of everyday objects, and a cold light that heralds danger. Color plays a key role: warm, saturated tones for the action, gray and blue palettes for domestic tension. Although the genres clash, the alternating chapter structure maintains interest without overwhelming.
Spoiler: the teacher is not safe from her students 😱
While Sand takes his workplace revenge like ordering a coffee to go, Kate discovers that her biggest problem is not math exams, but a possible corpse in the basement. One wonders if the comic will end with a scene where the teacher gives homework to a killer. For now, the only sure thing is that the local high school doesn't have an emergency plan for this.