The Good
Comics and music often make for a great natural pairing, but it's rare to see one executed so tightly; Earth Crisis' eighth studio album -- also titled Salvation of the Innocents -- was released in tandem with this series. The inside cover directs us to listen to it as a companion album; fans of metalcore and/or vegan activism, this is for you.
The LIBERATOR series reminds us that even though comics are entertainment, they don't have to lack a substantial, significant message. Blowing past the more abstract fare that we often see in mainstream comics -- lessons that boil down to things like "believe in yourself,""teamwork is important," and so forth -- SALVATION OF THE INNOCENTS takes a more targeted, hardcore tone with its anti-cruelty messaging. Matt Miner (along with pals from Earth Crisis) is serious, as in not-allowing-you-to-avert-your-eyes-from-a-vivisection serious.
#1 was a two-cover issue, and they're both great to look at. Rod Reis brings his painterly style to LIBERATOR's bolt-cutter-wielding heroine, and Menton3 gifts us with a cover that's just hauntingly beautiful.
The Bad
There's a lot going on visually, and I think dialing back a little bit on some of the highlights, textures, and shadows would give the pages a smoother look. Shiny hair and wrinkled clothing can sometimes fight for attention with word balloons, and I'd like to see the art support the dialogue rather than compete with it.
The Verdict
The newest inclusion in the LIBERATOR line keeps up the "comics for a cause" spirit of the original, and it's not afraid to demand that readers think about their world. Combining music, story, and a strong message, SALVATION OF THE INNOCENTS will make you want to cuddle the nearest animal -- and possibly adopt a rescue pet. It's not a series for the faint of heart, but heart is definitely something that this book carries in spades.
