Writer: Michael Moreci Art: Hayden Sherman Publisher: Vault Comics
WHAT IS IT?
Wasted Space is the funnest existential crisis you'll ever have. It's an intergalactic romp that perfectly balances action, humor, and the worry that all of the decisions you make in your life are pre-ordained.
Imagine Preacher meets Archer in space, or maybe Star Wars if it were originally intended for an adult audience.
This covers issue #8 only, so you should probably read the previous reviews and their issues before reading this one.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
(Serious spoilers for Vol. 1, some light spoilers for this issue)
Things happened. They weren't great things. They were the kind of things you can't take back.
Dust chose Billy and his cause over that of his lover, Fury, and lost an arm for his trouble. Molly's brother, Rex, killed their father in cold blood. Billy killed Devolous Yam because of, well...it's complicated. You should read the first volume.
So, the team sets off to get Dust a new arm. As the moral compass of the group, Molly's been trying to edge Billy toward redemption, but this time, she leaves that job to Dust. Instead, she holds Rex back to talk to him while Billy and Dust set off to do whatever it takes to get a fuqbot an arm these days.
Apparently, it takes doing a run for a local contact who can get that arm. The run involves a location that involves a notoriously harrowing trek and a temple where people can repent or lay their troubles down. Billy and Dust embark on this penance quest, and there's a very powerful scene wherein Dust explains to Billy why he feels like Billy needs to repent, and why he chooses to lighten his own burden. When Billy explains his side, we get a lot of insight into his character and motivation in an uncharacteristically sincere moment for the comic.
It's an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking scene, making this one of the strongest issues in the series. Absolutely do not miss Wasted Space #8.
WHAT WORKS?
The callback to the myth of Sisyphus from the first issue was an absolutely brilliant way to bring Billy full-circle using lore and personal experience from his story
The scene between Billy and Dust is yet another perfect example of warring philosophies, and how Michael Moreci doesn't tell you which point of view is the right one, but instead lets you decide for yourself
The issue also balances the story's focus, diffusing it amongst all the main characters more than spotlighting Billy the entire time
Taking a cue from Hayden Sherman's stormy line art, Jason Wordie's colors set the emotional tone for this issue so well, the angry skies and savage seas mirroring the characters' moods
Sherman's physical humor and Moreci's use of humor in the dialogue both serve to bookend the heavy scenes nicely, transitioning us from (and back into) Wasted Space's established tone
Jim Campbell's sound effect work is steadfast as ever, with some fun sound effect layouts
I've said it before, but I love Cambell's font choice for the locations and for the Creator's dialogue
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
Cursing may make it not the best read for kids
We start to get a little character development for Molly but, as the group's moral compass, she's still defined by others – what does she want or need?
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
This is the incredible, addictive space opera you’ve been waiting for. It hits all the right notes, with enough new that it feels like untrod territory but enough trappings of the genre to feel familiar, like a warm, comfy blanket.
It's fun and hilarious and action-packed, while also having great depth and an undercurrent of existential crisis and helplessness.
Issue #8 is one of the best, most important issues of a series that every comic book fan should be reading. GET ON IT.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
Wasted Space, Vol. 1 by Michael Moreci & Hayden Sherman
Void Trip by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus
Preacher, Vol. 1 by Garth Ennis & Steve Dillon
If you like the art:
The Few by Sean Lewis & Hayden Sherman
Sentient by Jeff Lemire & Gabriel Hernández Walta
New Mutants: Demon Bear by Chris Claremont & Bill Sienkiewicz
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Michael Moreci – Writer
Inspired by space operas like Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy, and often writes epic sci-fi stories
Many of his other works are currently in production for film or TV
Multitalented: Also recently published his second novel, The Throwaway
Hayden Sherman – Illustrator
Influenced by sci-fi films, Batman, teachers he had and great comics he's read
Recently wrote an Opinion article for the New York Times about using war games to train engineers
Jason Wordie – Colorist
Outlander: Lives in Canada
Opinion: I haven't seen much of his work in the past, but absolutely loved his colors in Turncoat and God Country, and feel like they show off a lot of his skill and range – these are 2 titles you should definitely check out
Jim Campbell – Letterer
Outlander: Hails from the United Kingdom
Multitalented: Also enjoys the art side of the creative world
Prolific: Has done lettering for a large number of hit titles
Adrian F. Wassel – Editor
Name Recognition: Is the CCO & Editor In Chief of Vault Comics, and plays the role of editor on most, if not all, of Vault's titles
Also runs Vault with his brother and father
Has personally helped other comics creators, like Eric Palicki, in their endeavors
HOW DO I BUY IT?
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