Godshaper Vol. 1 Review

Godshaper Volume 1

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Illustrator: Jonas Goonface
Letterer: Colin Bell
Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Review by Cory Webber

Godshaper is the tale of a world where individuals have their own personal gods, which have taken place of machines, fuel and currency after laws of physics were changed forever in 1958. Those born without a personal god are known as godshapers. They have the ability to mold and shape other people’s gods, for an exchange in goods or services.

If the above premise seems wacky, it’s because it is. However, Simon Spurrier wastes no time in expertly explaining this premise from the start. Godshaper follows Ennay, a human without a god, and Bud, a god without a human, vagrants floating from town to town trying to stay ahead of trouble. But that doesn’t last for long. Spurrier has created a fantastic world that doesn’t seem too far off from our own. At face value, it seems Godshaper is nothing more than a commentary on how alienating personal religions can be, and how one’s personal beliefs can cause narrow-mindedness.

However, taking a closer look, Godshaper is really about the human condition, and the one thing (love) that can unite us all. Spurrier’s characterizations are deep and unique to each player we meet. You can tell they were all well-thought out. The dialogue flows with such ease that I believe they are real-life characters. Spurrier has created new words, foreign to me, that I had no trouble understanding. I felt like I was fully immersed and an active part in this world. He has created a lead character in Ennay that is complex yet simple. As an outcast, he should be bitter and upset, but he has a heart of gold, even if he needs the occasional reprimand from Bud, the cutest little ghost since Casper–complete with an adorable affinity for headwear.

The art in Godshaper is incredible. Jonas Goonface, besides having the greatest name in comics, is an incredible talent. He did the pencils, inks, colors, and covers. I think we will be seeing more of this breakout talent, if anyone in the industry has some sense about them. I could not imagine this book being drawn in any other way. There is a palpable, kinetic energy to his art. The character designs, especially the gods, are so easy to look at. His colors are bright and vibrant, and they give an otherworldly feel to the story without making it seem foreign or unfamiliar. I like the way his art bleeds to the edges of the panels, which helps make me feel like I’m inside the story, up close and personal. The background colors he has chosen really set the appropriate mood and atmosphere for each scene. Godshaper is a prime example of words and art being paired perfectly to tell an amazing story.

Verdict:
Buy it! The art in Godshaper, coupled with Spurrier’s brilliant writing, have rocketed this book to the top of my must-read list.