Godshaper #1

• Artist: Jonas Goonface
• Writer: Simon Spurrier
• Published by: Boom! Entertainment
• Publish Date: April 19, 2017
• Notes: The first issue in a monthly series.

Synopsis:

“Written by Eisner Award-nominated writer Simon Spurrier (The Spire, X-Men Legacy) and illustrated by breakout talent Jonas Goonface, Godshaper introduces a vast world where there’s a god for every person and a person for every god…though for Ennay, unfortunately exceptions may apply. People like him are Godshapers, godless social pariahs with the ability to mold and shape the gods of others. Paired with Bud, an off-kilter but affectionate god without a human, the two travel from town to town looking for shelter, a hot meal, and the next paying rock ‘n’ roll gig”

Personal Thoughts (big spoilers):

I loved Simon Spurrier recent work, Spire. So, I was quite excited to finally get my hands on Godshaper...Yes!

Simon Spurrier has a knack for great world-building from the ground-up. Here, is no different and an extent into the very depths of an imaginary world, where nearly every person has a personal “god.” Those that don’t can shape other “gods,” or “Godshapers.” To what power, size or extent of the god depends on the person (I think, as I am not exactly clear on this). Then we have a Ennay, a man of music with no god of his own, except he has a god friend Bud, as companion. Together, they have a business that helps pay the bills, though he takes a little extra on the side, as Bud also steals.

Altogether, the set-up is a very far out concept, yet has familiar elements to a sort of yesterday’s Deep Southern culture and atmosphere. Yet for the god elements, I think of how close we are in our needs of technology in becoming gods of our technology at least. In Godshapers, there is no technology yet there is a symbiosis with these gods and a need for them (like our current technology). Not sure, that’s what was on the mind of Spurrier but I felt that. For Ennay, we have an identifiable person who is excluded, in many ways. He lives on and looks to his more natural ability to make his world, his music, and intelligence.

Yet, he makes friends along the way. For the first issue, we see some development of his moral compass, to help someone in need and decide how best to use his Godshaper ability. This first issue develops that character well, setting him and the world he deals with for exciting things to come.

The art is awesome and special to this unique series. There is a fine blend of humanity that merges with its cartoonish nature. The visuals merge a vintage 1960s cultural style, with a modern multi-layered edge in its colors and creature god designs. It’s an overall escape for the eyes if the reader is willing to pack the brain for the trip.

Overall, a fresh and exciting read for those looking for something very new in comics, and highly recommended.