The wake is a mix of both horror and sci-fi as the story unfolds across two different time periods. The first is Dr. Lee Archer who embarks on a journey to study a new discovery in a deep water research facility where all is not at it seems. The second story takes place in a flooded post apocalyptic world, where the world is a much more savage place as humanity fights over the remaining landmass and resources. Seeing how these two stories intersect and combine is the true mystery. Scott Synder crafts a complex tale that transitions from horror to post apocalyptic in a matter of pages. While a lesser writer might just be content with a simple horror troupe, Synder manages to swing in themes about where humanity comes from, search for existence, fear of the unknown, and other complex ideas that Synder is known for. Synder has knocked out pretty much any comic he has written, with his ongoing run on Batman with Greg Capullo, and his continuing vertigo series American Vampire with Rafael Albuquerque being great series. The wake is more similar to American Vampire, in its dark and twisted nature. Synder does a good job establishing two different protagonists and two different worlds for the reader to explore. Lee Archer is a strong mother who would do anything to see her son again, while Leeward is a tough rebel trying to find meaning in a flooded world. And not to mention Dash, pretty much the greatest dolphin I have ever seen in comics.
Sean Murphy, who collaborated with Scott Synder on American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest, does a remarkable job bring Synder's twisted visions to life. The first half is covered in shadow and darkness, as Murphy sells the claustrophobia and dread lurking in the deep. However its the second half of the book that Murphy really shows his power. The flooded landscapes are amazingly detailed, and I poured over every image just to get a look at this this fully functional world. Murphy creates both great character models but can also capture scenes on a massive scale, detailing destruction and death that is beautiful as it is terrifying. Matt Hollingsworth's colors add a lot of emotion to Murphy's pencils, from the shrouded depths of the ocean to the tropical and sundrenched locals of the future.
Overall the Wake is a masterpiece, with Scott Synder and Sean Murphy making a great story collected in this hardcover. The only complaint I have is that I wish it was longer in parts, but Scott has said in interviews he would love to revisit this world. Some extras at the end show off Murphy's sketches, and Hollingsworth's process of coloring. Its nothing special, but it adds value. The Wake is a great story with great art, and seeing Dash the Dolphin alone warrants a purchase.
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Top reviews from other countries
Carlos Luz
A fantastic book, great script, stunning artwork
Reviewed in Spain on June 15, 2020