Following his apparent death, ZED is transported to
the afterworld where a meeting with God provides answers
to his many queries. The big question is: where will ZED
go from here?
Michel Gagne's work on Zed continues to be
strong in the fifth installment of the series. I was
first introduced the Gagne's work in the Zed TPB.
I noted many things about the series that I loved. It
was imaginative, outrageous, full of fun and seemed to
be more than it was at first glance. It was a series
that sometimes looked as though it was directed at
children, but clearly had aspects to it that were more
adult. There was violence and death, but also innocence
and playfulness.
I also remember the fact that the series seemed to
continue at a break neck pace. Zed's journey was one
that never seemed to let up. It wasn't so much a
negative as just a part of the series. Zed #5 comes
across as a little slower and a more laid back. It
doesn't seem to have anything to do with the pacing of
the issue just that by reading an individual issues
instead of a TPB there is less to take in.
Issue #5 finds Zed in limbo. You could call it
Heaven, the afterlife or even a different plane of
existence. It doesn't really matter but it is where Zed
finds himself after the events of issue #4. Gagne
continues to impress me with his imaginative
illustrations and ideas. His work brings to mind Dr.
Seuss, especially the designs of "God" and Zed's race in
particular. Ideas such as the "Purification Bubble,"
"Heaven's Gate," and Zed's, borrowed, bio-organic ship
are just some of the great ideas Gagne has put into this
book.
The writing side of Zed is just as pleasant. I
adore how each character in Zed's in a very blunt
manner. Each time Zed asks a question he tends to
receive a very blunt and honest answer. Most of the
characters, surprisingly even the dead ones, have a very
positive outlook and it left me laughing a few times.
Zed is a fun book. I could spend a few more
paragraphs talking about the positive aspects of the
series but it would probably be better if you gave it a
look yourself. Zed has managed to capture my
interest in much the same manner as The Adventures of
Mia by Enrico Casarosa. Both creators have crafted a
world, or Universe in this case, using their own
imaginations. Through the eyes of the characters were
are allowed to explore those universes and it has so far
been a fun ride.
Sean Clement
Staff Writer, Divergingcomics.com
DivergingComics.com
