Crime can carry a vicious sting to it. Mason Shaw is learning this the hard way. The Queen Bee wants to retain control of her hive by any means. Nothing is off limits on what she will do for this. Defiance will not be tolerated. When Shaw links up with some defectors, his life will never be the same again!
THE HIVE #1 by A. J. Lieberman, Mike Henderson, and Inaki Azpiazu welcomes readers into the world of sex, buzz and rock ‘n roll!
Let’s take a deeper dive into what all the buzz is about.
THE HIVE #1 by A. J. Lieberman, Mike Henderson, and Inaki Azpiazu (IMAGE COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lieberman presents a very gritty aura to the fascinating concept of control. The opening foreshadows the Queens wrath. It gives the readers just enough to work off of as the story rewinds. Readers watch as the mature themes shine before heading into the criminal aspects. Once here, the tale begins to cement its’ foundation.
The Queen’s concept of biological control is very ingenious. Her demeanor is cold and calculating as she sets the stage. Readers get to witness this concept in action. A highway robbery display the power of control. It is intense and unapologetic. Much can be said for Shaw’s involvement. His introduction to this world has many layers behind it. Where events ultimately end up prove to be the start of an unforgettable journey.
Henderson’s art encompasses the dirty underworld Shaw resides in. The opening sequence is tense and harsh. The two page splash perfectly sets the tone for the remainder of the books. Once events rewind, the Queens vision starts taking shape. There are many mature images that are on full display. It adds to the seedy world which the Queen rules upon.
The heist provides a high paced display of power. Henderson and Azpiazu mix in blurred panels to display the bio hold. It leads to big action with a few shocks in the mix. None more surprising than how the robbery ends. Nothing is held back. This pushes towards the closing act. Shaw’s stat quo is flooded with a sense of anxiousness. His reactions never seem to break as secrets come to life. This leads to the full page ending. At this stage, readers are fully ready to delve deeper into a crime story unlike anything else.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.1
Biology and Crime may sound like a unique pairing. The life and times of Mason Shaw being to show readers how engaging this concept can be. Lieberman’s writing constructs the grimy and unforgiving world of the Queen. Henderson and Azpiazu present intense imagery which catapults this imaginative tale to new heights. The buzz is definitely real behind this one.
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