Tweet
Released By: Dynamite Comics
Release Date: November 26, 2014
The Story:
Much like many an episode of The Twilight Zone, this trade paperback collection of issues known as "The Way In" begins with a dream. Diana Westby wakes in her mid-level apartment in New York City, trying to shake off her recurring nightmare of Manhattan enveloped by a mushroom cloud; total nuclear annihilation. Exhausted from lack of sleep, she heads to her job at a coffee shop, a long workday of ensured mistreatment by customers, absence of appreciation from her boss, and a stunning lack of tips. Her shift gets off to an interesting start, however, when a somewhat strange older man gives her a tip in the form of an ancient-looking gold coin that triggers some confusing developments.
Rushing from the counter after witnessing a dog getting struck by a speeding car, she's surprised to find no evidence of the animal's demise in the street, a scene that she witnesses again after returning to work. Rushing into the street a second time, she realizes that the dog is still at the side of the road, and that the event has yet to occur; and won't, thanks to her intervention. Elation over her heroics is short-lived, however, as she returns once again to the coffee shop and is overwhelmed by the somehow audible thoughts of those surrounding her.
A visit to the doctor turns up nothing of note except for his interest in the coin that she's carrying, an interest that gets her referred to a specialist in such things, but Diana is discouraged from selling it when she "hears" his thoughts on how valuable it could be. Returning to work yet again, she is once again made aware of the thoughts of her customers, but this time it's a little less harmless that somebody worried about not getting a latte; as the words "cleansed by fire" and the vision of her city being destroyed in a nuclear blast create a frightening mirroring of her nightmares.
As a fan of the original Twilight Zone television series, I was pretty apprehensive in approaching a modern-day comic of the same name. How well would Rod Serling's vision translate to an updated take on this alternate dimension? Thankfully, the answer in the case of "The Way In" is quite well. J. Michael Straczynski's writing (really, I'm liking this guy a lot, lately) seems to harken back to Serling's shiver-inducting introductions to the series, and the story covers the usual laundry-list of themes and techniques that some of the best episodes were based on; mind-reading, nuclear destruction, supernatural objects, and their effect on just one person in the story, whose invisible issues can't solved by those around them. Straczynski also tosses in a little of the moral aspect of the Twilight Zone without going to "Kick The Can" levels of schmaltz, which lends itself to a satisfying conclusion.
Guiu Vilanova's artwork is also worth noting in this book, which manages to give the story a fresh feel while maintaining a somewhat timeless quality; perfect for a series named after such a timeless television show. The pacing is tight and doesn't get boring, and there are enough sidesteps into the weird and unsettling that make this run of comics and Serling's greatest creation easily interchangeable.
The Final Word:
A very cool story with some very cool art lends itself to the weight of the Twilight Zone brand. Recommended.
