”Three Worlds/Three Moons: Shift” Review – A Great Discovery

The Run Down

For those who may not know, “Three Worlds/Three Moons”, or 3W3M for short, is a universe created by Jonathan Hickman, Mike del Mundo, Nick Spencer, and Mike Huddleston. Within just the few years that it’s been going, there’s already plenty to sink your teeth into. In other words, if you plan on diving in, you’ll have plenty of water to wade. Without further ado, join Shawn and me as we review the latest in the franchise, “Three Worlds/Three Moons: Shift”!

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike del Mundo
Colorists: Mike del Mundo, Marco D’Alfonso
Letterer: Rus Wooton

The Writing

Shawn: Shift marks another beautiful entry into the 3W3M universe. Dark Horse is slowly but surely bringing this universe to the masses, and one look at Shift helps you understand why. This story is typical Jonathan Hickman storytelling. Small bits and pieces of narrative that feed towards a bigger ending. Hickman handles both the shifting locations and shifting focus well by utilizing chapters. The chapter breakdown really helps you understand the cresting and waning of the ages and the balance between science and magic.

Again, in true Hickman fashion, there are pages throughout the issue that help explain the lore of the world in an easy and digestible manner. The art beautifully blends what is a rather complex examination of the relationship, albeit a delicate one, between magic and science. The result is a compelling story that provides Tolkien levels of world building in a sci-fi setting.

Eda: As a first-timer in this universe, I feel it’s safe to say that this issue sold me. Whenever I look for sci-fi, this is the exact type of thing I look for: big, inventive ideas in an expansive universe. For that reason with this, I’m so thankful that Hickman made the smart decision to split this book up into chapters. Doing that really helped make everything more digestible and easily paced, especially with all of the information having to be taken in.

That being said, what Hickman’s put on the page is simply incredible. The idea of magic versus science being chaos versus control is an ingenious one that makes a ton of sense. First, magic has always been wild and unpredictable, whereas science almost always has a predetermined outcome. Second, through that idea, Hickman manages to create a ton more layers and meanings involving the likes of religion, education, and power dynamics. I won’t go into too much more detail so as not to spoil, but what’s here will leave you fainting and wanting more.

The Art

Shawn: How do you write about art when every page feels like a poster? Mike Del Mundo and Marco D’Alfonso beautifully capture this world in vibrant color and detail. Mike Del Mundo does a beautiful job with the line work, showing exquisite attention to detail, as the landscapes are so lush and vibrant from world to world. In doing so, Del Mundo also manages to make each location feel distinct. As time shifts, so does Del Mundo’s linework to show time ever marching forward.

D’Alfonso beautifully colors the world, settling in a hotspot somewhere between transcendentalism and a trip from Willy Wonka’s factory. While Del Mundo’s line work is beautiful, it’s the vibrant and perfectly placed colors from D’Alfonso that really allow this world to shine. Wooton draws you in, making each conversation distinct and meaningful, leaving you hanging on every word.

Eda: I’ll be honest, I don’t really know where to begin here. The art and colors from Mike del Mundo and Marco D’Alfonso absolutely left my jaw on the floor. With how much detail there is and the elite line work, this is among the best comic art I’ve seen all year. Being that this is legend Mike del Mundo, this should come as no surprise. He truly brings this world to life with immense creativity in both world and creature design.

This is backed up completely by the colors. While Del Mundo’s penciling brings the worlds and creatures to life, his and D’Alfonso’s colors give them character and depth. On every single page, I had no words due to how awestruck I was. Everything was simply gorgeous. Lastly, Wooton once again killed it on the lettering. He managed to make everything easy to follow, and the onomatopoeia is among the best I’ve seen in months.

Final Thoughts

Shawn: Shift is a perfect entry point for someone into the world of 3W3M. It’s an invitation to enter a world of depth in an age where arcs are short and new first issues launch seemingly weekly.

Eda: Everything about “Three Worlds/Three Moons: Shift” is truly astounding and perfect. Story-wise, Hickman is on his A-game, while del Mundo and D’Alfonso delivered art that inspires. This is what true mastery looks like.

Shawn’s Grade:10 / 10
Eda’s Grade: 10/10
Overall Grade: 10/10

Comments

Have you ever read or seen anything from the 3W3M universe? What did you think of this latest story?Let’s discuss in the comments below!