Dren Productions and Starlight Runner present Deep Down, a graphic novel that blends thriller and science fiction. Written by Fabian Nicieza and Steele Filipek, with art by Felix Ruiz, the plot follows a New York Transit Special Operations team investigating the disappearance of an autistic girl in the underground tunnels. A cocktail of claustrophobia and mystery.
Felix Ruiz and the art of illuminating the shadows of the underground 🎨
The visual aspect of Deep Down is handled by Felix Ruiz, who uses a clear line style and marked contrasts to represent the darkness of the tunnels. The panels alternate between close-ups that generate tension and wider scenes of the abandoned subway system. The cold color palette reinforces the oppressive atmosphere, while the character design seeks functional realism, avoiding superheroic exaggerations. Ruiz prioritizes the readability of action in confined spaces.
Spoiler: the subway is still chaos, but with monsters 🚇
If you already hate waiting for the night train in New York, this graphic novel will give you extra reasons to prefer an Uber. Because, of course, between rats, vagrants, and delays, the only thing missing was a lost girl and something lurking in the darkness. Sure, at least the special agents have flashlights; we're still stuck with our phones at 3% battery.