Unlike some other mediums, comics have a kind of intermediary standalone issue that can fall apart from time to time. In some cases, it’s a winner and gives people a chance to breathe between the action. In some cases, it can also dampen people’s enthusiasm and motivation. In the case of Uncanny Valley #6, it was certainly the former, as it takes time to explore the origins of the comic book world.
Considering where it left off after Uncanny Valley #5, just such a move could easily have spelled doom. Oliver’s journey to discover his roots and understand his role among humans and Toon culminates in the young man’s sudden disappearance. The creative team (writer Tony Freaks, artist Dave Wachter, and letterer Pat Brosseau) would have been immediately satisfied by simply showing us what situation Oliver is in now. That could have been the choice. Instead, they do what they’ve always done in the Uncanny Valley: In other words, it subverts our expectations and tells a very real story about family, destiny, and finding your place in the world.
Courtesy of Boom! studio.
And by shifting the spotlight to The First and having him chronicle the origins of the Toons, that feeling became even deeper and stronger. You’ll see how The First helped build and shape the world of Toons, and how his origins connect him to ours (I don’t want to spoil it, but there’s a really great little with a twist). This could have backfired and made the series’ villains seem overly soft, but Uncanny Valley wasn’t too worried about that. Because, as seen in issue #6, Toons’ reactions are very human, filled with confusion, self-preservation, and a general disbelief keenly aware of humanity’s catastrophic potential (which is well worth it). This is because it is made from a combination of
The evolution and presence of the First in this matter casts his people as unwilling victims, trying not only to save themselves, but also to right some wrongs that humanity probably has no interest in righting. . In this way, their ideals are not only more morally complex, more sympathetic, and more textured overall, but they also demonstrate our active participation. Yes, even as readers, our perception of the toons’ stupidity betrays the society they have built and the world they hope to save. They are the best and most capable versions of us, and as we watch these “creatures” fight for places that have long been denied us, we understand ourselves infinitely more. It is no longer a fun game, but a very real conflict between our good nature and our destructive ignorance as a species. In short, it is a deep understanding of the true power of art/creation.
Courtesy of Boom! studio.
And when it comes to the best version, I have to say that this is truly the Freaks writer’s best work to date. In particular, his narration breaks down Toon’s world and Oliver’s role in a way that removes much of the uncanny valley background and gimmicks and instead shows how completely real this story is to its core. Because of this, it feels very warm and folk-like. . His small piece of writing includes the introduction of a new character, whose very presence propels this issue’s efforts to connect the human and comic book worlds, giving us insight into these connections and the insights they offer. Makes me think. But it’s always been a soft touch, an approach that allows the characters to dictate the story and the world to open up in layers.
So a large part of this issue will be a much larger introduction to Wachter’s artwork. Over the first five issues of Uncanny Valley, Wachter built two wonderful worlds. Our world has real weight and texture, and the “dimensions” of the toons become increasingly insane, baked into warm nostalgia. These worlds have been slowly flirting and merging in the past, but in Uncanny Valley #6 that union feels even stronger and more important.
Courtesy of Boom! studio.
For example, the new characters introduced do a lot to drive the way the two worlds interact. So what we get is this visual language or code that shows how they are connected and how one can influence the other. Their friendliness is undeniable. There are several scenes in this issue where it seems as if the worlds have truly merged (such as when the newbie falls in love with a particular miner). In it, you can see that reality and fantasy are two sides of the same coin. And that fantasy is just a reaction to the world in which we find the best parts of ourselves.
In a similar way, Wachter uses certain elements of the public domain to do much the same thing. So what we know evolves and expands for this story, making us really feel the tenuous nature between realities. And fantasy. This feature in particular is a really fun and original way to remind us of these connections and relationships and show that this story isn’t new, but something we’ve been telling and adding to for years. . In doing so, it becomes more vivid and undeniable, and we, the audience, are forced to embed our own lives in a chapter about, among other things, a return home and all the joy and reconciliation that comes with it. Masu. This is an issue in which Wachter’s work is not just fun and interesting, but deeply connected to the story and brings us to the table in more compelling ways than ever before.
Courtesy of Boom! studio.
But for all of Uncanny Valley #6’s accomplishments, there was still one more thing to do. Please let us know about Oliver. (Of course.) I don’t want to spoil it, but you could probably guess the young hero’s condition. But all I can say is that his presence leading up to the conclusion feels like the final puzzle piece to how meta this book has become. It’s always been meta to some degree, but I feel like the creative team is taking it up a notch and making us think about the nature of creativity and fiction, and the role we play in its development and meaning.
But like all good meta-stories worth their salt, Uncanny Valley does it the right way, with plenty of heart and character. Drawing us further into this story is another layer of this book’s campaign to make us see this world in vivid, unflinching detail, rather than pretentiousness or mere dazzle. Not all the stories are wrapped up yet, and things are just getting started (for us and for Oliver). But one thing is clear: this wasn’t just a “break”, it was the beginning of something even more exciting and fun for Uncanny Valley.
“Uncanny Valley” #6 breaks your heart and backtracks for a moment to enhance the story.
Uncanny Valley #6
With a few more issues left, “Uncanny Valley” delivers perhaps its most streamlined, powerful, and highly interesting issue yet.
This issue truly showcases Dave Wachter’s willingness to play with our minds and perceptions.
The subject matter of this book is solid and familiar, yet bigger and bolder.
The book’s increasing meta-ness only serves the rich core of humanity that drives the uncanny valley.
A slight change in momentum, even momentary, will irritate some readers.
