Lemire and Sorrentino throw readers into the weird world of conspiracy theories and cosmic secrets in an alternate history of 1960’s America.
With the success of series like Sweet Tooth, Black Hammer, and Gideon Falls, Jeff Lemire has cemented his reputation for telling stories that deftly blend the heartfelt with the unnerving. In September, Lemire will reunite with Gideon Falls artist Andrea Sorrentino (who also worked with Lemire on Green Arrow) and Image Comics to release Primordial #1, a thrilling conspiracy tale of space exploration that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Set in an alternate version of 1961, John F. Kennedy has lost the 1960 presidential election to Richard Nixon. Primordial #1 follows Doctor Donald Pembrook who has just arrived at Cape Canaveral to work on “Project Pen Cap.” Much to the doctor’s surprise, the project has little to do with space exploration. In fact, he and a handful of other scientists are tasked with helping to dismantle the base now that the United States’s space program has been shut down. While working, Pembrook discovers evidence that early attempts at space flight were more successful than the government had lead people to believe. He soon finds himself dealing with mysterious Russians on the cusp of a mystery of global and cosmic proportions.
Lemire’s story bounces back and forth between Pembrook’s narrative and scenes of monkeys being launched into space. While the scenes in space remain shrouded in mystery, they make it clear that the scope of the story is much larger than what Pembrook initially imagines it to be. This sense of looming surprises is amplified by the slow and subtle ways in which Lemire unveils the world of Primordial. At first glance, it takes place in a version of the United States very similar to reality, but every few pages he reveals new details that illustrate just how different this timeline is. In this way, the audience’s journey of discovery mirrors Pembrooks which makes it easy to identify with and root for the protagonist.
Much like Lemire’s writing, Sorrentino’s art presents a world that initially appears to be grounded in reality. But, his drawings and page layouts become more fluid and experimental when depicting the monkeys’ journey into space. These contrasting styles add to a sense of overall tension and keep readers guessing about what is truly happening. While his artwork for scenes set on Earth is fairly tame compared to the madness of space, his sense of pacing and composition is a joy to behold and brilliantly compliments Lemire’s writing.
Sorrentino and Lemire have crafted a thoughtful and bizarre first issue that establishes a high-stakes mystery for Doctor Pembrook to unravel. The issue ends with a twist that raises a multitude of questions. The answers to these questions are sure to send readers and characters alike down some of the deepest and strangest rabbit holes imaginable. The two creators seem determined to push each other’s work to new heights, but they manage not to alienate the reader. Lemire’s careful plotting makes it easy and enjoyable to follow along with the labyrinth he and Sorrentino have constructed. Primordial #1 has plenty to offer to fans of American history, science fiction, and good storytelling.
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