The TL;DR of it is this: Specs is an exciting, new series that is part thriller, part horror, part teenage angst, and part supernatural mystery. If other words, it’s as if Stranger Things and R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps had a love child. Heck, I’d even wager a guess that the address of the protagonist is an Easter egg, an homage to Stine and his birthplace.

If that little summary intrigued you, I think you’ll enjoy this series. The protagonist is someone who’s kept a terrible secret for 35 years. Thirty-five years ago, he got a pair of wish-granting specs. Of course, being 17-years-old, he and his best friend pushed the boundaries of wishes with teenage disregard. In a heated moment, his best friend made a wish that had unforeseen consequences. So, you know, some typical monkey paw shenanigans.

David M. Booher delivers a nigh-perfect first issue, packing in just enough to establish the mystery, introduce the characters in a meaningful way, and set the stakes. Personally, the inclusion of a queer character as the protagonist in a genre story brings me a lot of joy, as it’s so rare to see meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in these stories.

Chris Shehan’s artwork is gorgeous in this book. There’s such a naturalness to the way he renders postures and gestures that really gives that ‘80s vibe. These aren’t characters from a world with high-sheen polish and the veneer of artifice. The colors by Roman Stevens complement the linework nicely. I appreciate how it’s often impossible to not see the glasses since they’re often in contrast with the surrounding palette. I’ve often written about Jim Campbell’s lettering, and it’s often superlative praises. That’s no different here.

Final thoughts: This is an issue that grips the reader right from the start, with the nostalgic tone and visuals. I can’t wait to read more of this.

Creative Team: David M. Booher, Chris Shehan (artist), Roman Stevens (colors), Jim Campbell (letterer)
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
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