The Seasons Have Teeth #1
- Writer:
- Dan Watters
- Artist:
- Sebastián Cabrol
- Letterer:
- Nate Piekos
- Cover Artist:
- Sebastián Cabrol
- Publisher:
- BOOM! Studios
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2023-04-12
- Colorist:
- Dan Jackson
The Seasons Have Teeth is a new 4-issue horror series being published by Boom! Studios that depicts a world where the seasons have become embodied by sentient god-like creatures. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter wander the globe, bringing mass destruction and beauty in their wake. Series protagonist Andrew is a retired conflict photographer, who yearns for days long past when the seasons behaved normally and his wife was still by his side. The Seasons Have Teeth #1, written by Dan Watters with art by Sebastián Cabrol, colors by Dan Jackson, and lettering by Nate Piekos of Blambot, brings to life an engrossing concept with rich characters and a vibrant world.
The world is introduced as being devoid of the color nature brings to life. The town that people rapidly flee in the opening is gray and muted. Homes are boarded up and sandbags line the streets as residents prepare for the impending arrival of Spring. The Seasons bring the vitality of nature with them, but it comes in waves of violent arrival. Rather than evacuating with the rest of the town, Andrew stays behind to get a glimpse of Spring.
Watters expands on a dynamite concept in this issue. The seasons being brought to life as anthropomorphic forces of nature is fascinating, and seeing how they act is awe-inspiring. There's an innate sense of wonder to the Seasons that is captured well and contrasts excellently with the world when they aren't present. Andrew also shines as a protagonist, with a clear voice and sense of purpose. Readers are able to appreciate the world through his eyes and reflect on how it compares to their own experiences.
Cabrol brings this story to life in a brilliant way. Much of the thematic emotion comes in the depiction of nature and the lack thereof in particular scenes. Sequences that show nature aggressively reclaiming land are powerful and plentiful, inspiring fear and awe. Hand in hand with this comes the design of Spring itself, the towering creature that stalks the land. Spring is monstrous, terrifying, and yet hauntingly beautiful. It's exceptional creature design that heightens the story.
Working in tandem with Cabrol's art are the vibrant colors by Jackson. As nature reclaims land vivid color springs to life on the page. Greens, pinks, and purples shine against gray backdrops. The contrast is brimming with life and without is striking and also tells a story instantly through visual shorthand. The lettering by Piekos is precise, with emphatic font and sound effects choices.
This issue is about as strong of a start as a first issue can be. A captivating concept, with engaging characters, inspired horror, and outstanding art bringing everything together. It will be interesting to see how this series approaches environmentalism as it goes on. Certainly one read on the title and content of the first issue could be the Seasons fighting back against humanity for the damage it wrought. With The Seasons Have Teeth #1, Watters and the rest of the creative team deliver a haunting, poignant, and awe-inspiring debut.