Paranoid Gardens #1
Illustrated by: Chris Weston
Written by: Gerard Way, and Shaun Simon
Dark Horse Comics
2024
*Quick review. Spoilers, not so much..
Writers Gerard Way (The Umbrella Academy) and Shaun Simon (The Fabulous Killjoys), join forces with Illustrator Chris Weston (The Filth), colorist Dave Stewart (Hellboy), and letterer Nate Piekos (Black Hammer) to present an all-new surreal comic book experience that’s ER meets Doctor Who on acid.
Loo is a nurse at the most bizarre care-center in the universe. The staff are not entirely human, and the cases downright unearthly. Aliens, ghosts, superheroes, and more creatures plague its hallways as both doctors and patients and the hospital itself seems to be somewhat self-aware. Loo believes that despite a recent failure at her job she’s been given some sort of higher calling in this mysterious place, and decides to rise to the challenge. Along the way she must fight her way through corrupt staff members, powerful theme park cults, and her own personal demons and trauma to meet this challenge and discover what secrets the gardens hold.
“Paranoid Gardens #1” offers a captivating blend of surrealism and dark humor, set within the walls of the peculiar Paradise Gardens. Gerard Way and Shaun Simon craft a narrative that blends elements of “Black Mirror”, “ER” and “Doctor Who,” creating a unique experience.
The story centers on Loo, a nurse navigating the absurdities of a care center where both the staff and patients range from aliens to superheroes. The hospital itself adds to the strangeness, seemingly sentient and full of secrets. Loo’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as she contends with corrupt colleagues, bizarre cults, and her own inner struggles.
Chris Weston’s art, complemented by Dave Stewart’s colors, brings the eccentric world of Paradise Gardens to life with vivid detail and creativity. The characters and setting are visually engaging, adding depth to the story’s otherworldly atmosphere.
Though the first issue introduces a lot of elements, it promises an intriguing narrative. The eclectic mix of characters and bizarre scenarios sets the stage for a series that could become increasingly engaging. This debut issue may feel a bit chaotic, but it leaves you curious about what’s to come, making it worth keeping an eye on.
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