PTSD ISSUE #1
“This comic is a Twilight Zone-esque story of a traumatized veteran reliving a series of major moments in his life within a fateful afternoon.”
“I’ve spent days, even weeks, passing over this story line-by-line, panel-by-panel, and page-by-page to make 100% sure PTSD is a regret-free purchase worthy of anyone’s collection. San Espina interpreted my vision for this story with astonishing synchronicity; you would have thought our brains were conjoined twins. I onboarded talented cover artists by the name of Jeff Meuth and DJ Hall to grasp your attention. I wrote and created PTSD to the best of my ability to be a riveting tale, the likes of which you won’t soon forget.” -Paul Gomez
PTSD tells the story of a veteran who relives significant moments of his life in a Twilight Zone-inspired narrative, all within the span of an eventful afternoon.
The story of PTSD revolves around Steven Christensen, a veteran who is haunted by a series of traumatic events from his past, all in one pivotal afternoon. The events depicted in the story could happen in any town in America, as they are all too common. It is a tale of a man who bravely served his country, but is now faced with a life-threatening dilemma, brought on by his refusal to confront the demons of his past.
The first issue of PTSD sheds light on the struggles of those with PTSD and their behavior. It provides an excellent introduction to the subject and is highly recommended for anyone looking to understand the condition better. Although I enjoyed reading it, I had to read it twice to fully comprehend the story due to certain areas lacking smooth transitions between pages. It would have been an even more enjoyable read if the story flowed better. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this comic to readers who are interested in gaining insight into the realities of PTSD experienced by veterans. It is not your typical superhero/fantasy comic, as it focuses on real-life issues.
I personally understand the challenges and difficulties that come with PTSD, even if it is not due to being in a war. It can be a daily struggle and triggers can be unpredictable. There are times when you might even mistake your surroundings for the traumatic experiences you went through. In my experience, veterans tend to have it the toughest, and having older relatives who are veterans, I have come to realize that they do not receive the support they need.
The art and color palette are chosen perfectly to complement the theme of the book. As the book revolves around a darker topic, the colors used are predominantly darker shades of red, black, and grey. However, the artwork is not lacking in any details. San Espina has skillfully designed and colored the comic in a way that does not compromise on the crucial details that drive the story forward. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second issue of PTSD.
As of this writing, Krysta Grant did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the company, team or product reviewed in this article. The opinions expressed in this review are those of the writer, subject to the Indievolt.com Publishing Guidelines.
