Written by Wyatt Kennedy
Art by Luigi Formisano
Published by Image Comics
Nights Season One, Part One is an ambitious and intriguing first installment in what promises to be a unique urban fantasy series. Written by Wyatt Kennedy and illustrated by Luigi Formisano, this comic introduces us to a world where supernatural creatures coexist with humans in a reimagined version of 2003 America. While the book offers a lot to love, it also presents some challenges that may leave readers both captivated and confused.
The artwork is one of the most striking aspects of Nights Season One, Part One.
Luigi Formisano, making his debut with Image Comics, delivers a visually captivating experience. His art blends a manga-inspired style with his unique flair, producing expressive characters and dynamic action sequences.
The use of bright, popping colors by Francesco Segala and Gloria Martinelli enhances the vibrancy of this supernatural world, making every page a visual treat.
The character designs, particularly of the ghosts and supernatural beings, stand out as memorable and add a layer of whimsy to the dark, gothic setting.
The setting of Nights is another strong point.
The story unfolds in a version of America with 31 states instead of 50, with Florida still under Spanish control. This alternate history provides an intriguing backdrop for the narrative, filled with potential for world-building. However, the comic focuses heavily on the microcosm of Santo Pedro, Florida, leaving much of the broader world unexplored. As a reader, you might find yourself craving more information about how the rest of this alternate America—and indeed, the rest of the world—functions. This omission leaves a sense of incompleteness, as the setting’s full potential isn’t fully realized within the first volume.
Story-wise, Nights Season One, Part One is a mixed bag.
The narrative is packed with plots and subplots, sometimes to the point of being overwhelming. The central story follows Vince Okonma, a teenager dealing with losing his parents, who moves in with his cousin and a group of eccentric roommates, including a talking skeleton and a legendary vampire. As interesting as these characters are, the story’s pacing and structure can be confusing. The comic jumps between different periods—one set in the present, another five years in the future, and yet another during an apocalyptic event—without always making it clear how these timelines connect. This non-linear storytelling might remind some readers of Quentin Tarantino’s style, but it can also make the plot hard to follow, especially when combined with the already dense narrative.
Despite these challenges, Nights Season One, Part One has enough charm and intrigue to keep you hooked. The characters are quirky and endearing, particularly Vince and Gray, the enigmatic vampire. Their interactions, filled with witty dialogue and emotional depth, provide a solid emotional core to the story. While frustrating, the comic ends on a cliffhanger, which effectively compels you to pick up the next volume to see where the story goes.
Nights Season One, Part One is a flawed, but fascinating read.
The artwork is excellent, the setting is unique, and the characters are engaging. Still, the story can be confusing and complex to follow due to its ambitious scope and non-linear narrative. Nevertheless, it’s an exciting alternative to more mainstream comic books, offering a fresh take on the urban fantasy genre.
If you’re willing to navigate its complexities, Nights is a series worth following, as it shows promise of evolving into something exceptional.
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