Seven Secrets #9 Review

Writer: Tom Taylor / Artist: Danielle Di Nicuolo / Boom! Studios One of the earliest bits of writing advice given to beginner authors is “Show, don’t tell.” It’s a simple three-word mantra meant to remind writers that rather than just informing the reader that a character is feeling a certain, they should be actively demonstrating the intent. The character isn’t frustrated; they are throwing a chair. The character isn’t happy; they are jumping ecstatically. But of course, just because it’s a decent guideline doesn’t mean it needs to be followed, and very crucially, Tom Taylor proves that it is very much possible to make “telling” exceedingly compelling and dramatic. Taylor is deliberate in not “showing” and is able to create a special type of tension. Seven Secrets #9 begins to wrap up the aftermath of the Seekers offensive against the Holders and the Keepers. Casper’s group is still on the run at the start of the issue, but they do eventually manage to find shelter and get a much earned moment of respite. Taylor and Di Nicuolo work hand-in-hand to realistically portray the effects of mental and physical exhaustion and just how important it is to take the time to grieve. Taylor’s writing is sharp, poignant, and to the point and Di Nicuolo’s artwork has a very human quality to it. Even in a world full of secret organizations vying for knowledge that could very easily upend the global balance (especially in light of Switzerland’s utter destruction), these are simply people with…