This week, BOOM! Studios dips their toe into the old-school world of the sci-fi epic.  We follow a four-person crew of a mining ship, but they aren’t mining precious metals or minerals. Oh no, they are mining gods. While BOOM! has science fiction titles, none of them have been along the vein of the high-concept, sci-fi/fantasy epic that has been a favorite of fans for decades – until now. We Only Find Them When They’re Dead is for Ridley Scott fans everywhere.

The first thing I noticed about this comic was the color. The art by Simone Di Meo is gorgeous, but the color! We tend to see lots of grim science fiction these days, which means colors schemes on the grey and darker color spectrum. This book was a burst of spacey, psychedelic color which made me think of ’70s movies and the documentary about what Alejandro Jodorowsky wanted to do in his version of the movie, Dune. The bright colors also make it clear from the beginning that this isn’t our world. Wow, isn’t it crazy what color can do for a comic? (The art duties fall to Simone Di Meo with color assistance by Mariasara Miotti, so amazing job to both!)

The second thing that came to my mind was Knowhere, the fictional location in the Marvel Universe, which is the severed head of a celestial being. It is the only place I can remember in comics that deals with mining from giant space gods (since they mine the brain matter from the head of the being). I have to say: I love the idea of giant, celestial, godlike beings in space.     

Now, not much happens in this first issue – it is strictly just for set up – but I didn’t ever get bored reading it.  I am so intrigued by the world and concept that I am desperate to know more. If you are a sci-fi/fantasy fan, then pick up your copy of We Only Find Them When They’re Dead at your local comic book shop!

Creative Team: Al Ewing (writer) Simone Di Meo (Artist), Mariasara Miotti (Color Assist.)
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Click here to purchase.