Resonant #6: Let the Flock Gather

Resonant returns with its sixth issue after an entire year break, described as a new arc for the horror series with a unique new concept of a plague against humanity. For those who have waited, this issue certainly won’t disappoint. With nearly the entirely family split up as Paxton attempts to get off an island, Bec fights off actual bears and Ty learns the consequences of joining the Congregation, it feels like an issue where everything is catching up to our cast of characters and not always in the way they might want.

If you haven’t caught up on Resonant yet, there isn’t a better time than now as we head into the sixth issue. It’s a survival horror series steeped in the innate human behaviors that drive our most primal instincts as well as our struggle to transcend them. Paxton as a lead character is humble, driven and remarkably capable and this has never been more true in Resonant #6. Stranded on an island far from his family who desperately needs him, we see the series find its footing and dig into the primary themes deeper than ever before. At it’s heart, Resonant is about our own sense of control against seemingly inescapable natural forces that go against us.

After being introduced to the Christian Congregation community in previous issues, things have certainly seemed a little too good to be true for Ty. And while I think placing a Christian group into this survivalist’s world was an easy-to-spot red herring which yielded a fairly predictable twist, there is still enough tact to show the complexities of beliefs and how they can be manipulated to suit our goals. This fits into the story quite well. Faith as a measure of survival is a recurring theme in this series and it’s portrayed as a humanistic tendency to benefit our own livelihood, both in good and bad ways. In my own opinion, this is the greatest feat the series has to offer the overwhelmingly popular apocalyptic genre and each of the issues are at their best when they delve into these notions.

Resonant #6 is a rapidly paced issue, which contrasts what we’ve seen before as the premise and characters are being established. For some readers, this may come too late to warrant their return but believe me when I say it really is worthwhile. It’s not just about how dire the state of the world is, it’s about what we can do to make things better and it starts with the internalized struggle within each of us. That is the driving force behind the issue and it makes it arguably the best in the series yet.

The artwork in Resonant is still powerful and emotional, with Wordie’s colors bringing in a flair that makes every issue recognizable. While the aesthetic suits the story just fine, I am still waiting on the visuals that leave as strong of a lasting impression as the narrative themes handled. At times, when a new wave is expected or Paxton shows off his “ninja moves,” I can’t help but want something more spectacular. But when we see Paxton deep into his Zen mindset or the Congregation pronounce their beliefs it captures an intimate sense that is both unexpected and most welcome. Bennett’s letters stand out in this issue however, as the dialogue bounces from one struggling group to the next, giving even more weight to the emotional beats in the story at just the right time.

Resonant #6 could be the issue that is the deciding factor for many to continue reading the series. For those who have stuck with it this far, the payoff feels like it is just getting started. We have a strong direction now and Ty and Bec are primed for the return of their father at just the right time. Can the series hold this momentum moving forward? Only time will tell honestly, but it seems like Resonant is absolutely on the right path and poised to get better from here.