Twilight Zone #4- Imperfect Compliments

In a world full of alphas and a world free of struggle, how could you exist? This issue of the Twilight Zone imagines such a story. Chet and Laura are brother and sister. Once mirror images of each other, now they could not be more different. Laura is married and Chet can’t seem to get out of his own way. Finding his tribe with the podcast bros of the world, Chet is finally starting to find his footing again in this place called life. What happens then, when you get everything you want and see those supporting you for what they really are?

Creative Team

Writer, Artist, Letterer: Nate Powell

Writing and Art

Rather than my normal process of separating art and writing into two separate categories, with Nate Powell handling both duties for this issue, I thought it best to combine them.

In this issue subtitled False Bottom, Nate Powell takes inspiration from the hit CBS show the Twilight Zone. Powell couldn’t have done a better job. The art and the writing both evoke the feeling of the original show. Despite being clearly inspired by the original show, Powell does an outstanding job crafting a story that feels modern.

In capturing the “bro culture” of the world today, Powell not only makes an eerie story that is relevant but taps into the real-life shallowness surrounding that culture. The artwork really pops with Powell impressively utilizing gray, white, and black to not only enhance the story but to evoke the feelings of the show that inspired it.

Perhaps even more than just making a really good Twilight Zone-inspired story, Powell effectively writes a story that feels familiar to anyone close to their family. Powell highlights well the tension of working hard to support your family and helping them to succeed and overcome, while fighting against the resentment that it can generate. In Powell’s story, Chet and Laura could be any pair of siblings you know who love fiercely but perhaps for a variety of reasons aren’t as close anymore.

Final Thoughts

Overall Grade: 10/10

Powell’s story feels authentically Twilight Zone. The art, the writing, and even the cover ooze with inspiration that brings you right back to that intro and the voice of Rod Serling. The story is a great one that is not only modern and accessible but also relatable. Powell is obviously an immensely talented individual as the art and writing would both be amazing if crafted by individual artists, but one individual crafting all areas of this comic makes it perhaps more impressive than could be thought possible.

Until next time, may your pulls be magical and your multiverse remain stable.

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Did you get the Twilight Zone vibe from The False Bottom? Let me know in the comments below!