Para #6 PARA #6 Posted: Saturday, January 1 By: Ray Tate Writer: Stuart Moore Artists: Frederico Zumiel(p), James Taylor(i), Mike Garcia(c) Publisher: Penny-Farthing Para is one of those rare comic books that did not need to be a comic book. Para could have been a science fiction novel. Fortunately, Stuart Moore is a comic book author. Thus, readers were lucky enough to be enjoying this story as a comic book. Para could have failed very easily and because of the medium on two fronts. Fortunately, Penny-Farthing has turned the idea whether true or false of independent publishing being synonymous with bad art on its ear; in fact the big two have sunk--no, scratch that. I'm in too good of a mood. There may not have been a lot of comics in the old brown bag this week, but they were exponentially enjoyable. Para is no exception. Frederico Zumiel, James Taylor and colorist Mike Garcia combine forces to make Stuart Moore's story as arresting to the eye as it is to the brain, and let me tell you. I was delighted to discover that the story was smarter than I am. There's nothing that pleases me more than good research. I had to confirm strangelets, plot points and terms I first encountered in this book. All of Para's attraction does not manifest in the form of hard scifi. Moore's diverse cast beautifully imagined by the art team invite the reader into the story. They may in fact be more important to the tale. Without them it would be a non fiction exercise in speculation. Sara though completes the hero's journey. Dr. Z provides quirkiness and resonant color commentary. Dr. Andersen gives Para a rock solid anchor. Sanchez upsets all of the players in place on the board. Para is simply a well-thought out lesson in applying quantum physics to fiction. If you haven't had this series on your pull list, pick up the trade. You won't be sorry.

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