Green Class is a very timely title. This is probably a sad coincidence, but it's hard to imagine that it could be released at a "more appropriate" time. After all, for another month we are facing a virus that has significantly influenced our everyday life. The comic's starting point is similar. The pandemic changes not only the reality of the heroes on an unprecedented scale, but also (literally!) Themselves.
The original project of two French: screenwriter Jéróme Hamon and cartoonist David Tako (which is also his debut) is a pro-ecological comic and – as Egmont himself defines – post-catastrophic. You can see the effort they both put into designing the appearance of the characters, reflecting the spirit of Louisiana; I can also feel the potential of the comic, because it deals with a very catchy topic, and at the same time very close to me. It is also another vision of the decay of the world as we know it. Well, that’s where my question arises: is it original enough to be worth reaching for this title?
Establishment of shares
The comic begins intriguingly. We follow the fate of a group of young Canadian students who return to society after a few weeks in the swampy wilderness (as part of the green school). However, the civilization they knew no longer existed. The cities are abandoned and the main roads leading to the airport are manned by the army. It turns out that humanity has been attacked by a hitherto unknown virus that turns people into stupefied and aggressive plant-like creatures. The teenagers try to get out of the States and return to Toronto as quickly as possible, but their intentions will be ruined when it turns out that one of their friends, Noah, is infected. All of this is interesting to read at the beginning. However, the farther into the proverbial forest, the worse. Also for the reader, because the plot spreads out at the seams with each subsequent page.
Like a “middle man” from Netflix
If you were to compare Green Classto catastrophic or post-apocalyptic series from one of the most popular streaming platforms, the title would be somewhere around the average: it has a great start and message, but at the very beginning the characters irritate with their hopelessly reckless and stupid behavior. It would not be the worst if their decisions would last longer than the yawns. However, students immediately regret their decisions, and worse, make a terrible drama out of it. Nothing in movies and comics irritates me more than the irrational behavior of the protagonists. Sure, it’s easy to blame them on the fact that we are not faced with the choices that the heroes have to face, but I require something more from the creators. For example, to motivate behaviors and solutions more interesting than those,
The beauty of the world
However, what makes this comic book stand out from the rest are the wonderful illustrations. The character designs are inspired by manga. The characters are painted very precisely and nicely, each of them has clear, well-expressed facial expressions. Various frames strongly affect the dynamics of reading, while the colors themselves and the location of the colors are beautiful. Some of them look like they are bathed in the gentle setting sun or in the mist rising over the swamps. You can feel the heat, lush green forests, in short: the atmosphere of Louisiana. However, while the people and backgrounds are drawn perfectly, the design of the monsters disappoints. They are all very similar to each other and resemble Groot from the Marvel universe. The Polish edition from Egmont deserves a plus. Includes some free sketchbook designs by teenagers and a fantastic rough cover.
Apocalypse unequal apocalypse
As a fan of young adult climates, I am quite immune to the stupidity of the heroes, but I respect others. You can reach for this comic book, if the scenery is satisfying enough for the reader, and the not very rational behavior of young people is not so irritating. The following volumes have potential: they can slightly develop the releases between the characters and go in the direction that is more engaging for the recipient. However, as a enthusiast of post-apo climates, I feel disappointed with the script.
