The Vigil #1: Let the Spy Games Begin

Vigil #1 is an exciting introduction to a new group of covert metahumans whose presence in the world of DC Comics is just beginning. It’s thrilling and issue #2 can’t get here fast enough.

What’s great about The Vigil #1 is that it is fresh and familiar at the same time. It’s fresh in that the introduction of new characters and the exploration of India in the world of DC Comics is such a unique idea. Where it’s familiar is that it follows a style similar to other espionage stories making it incredibly accessible.

Readers are introduced to Saya, Dodge, Arclight, and Castle and this issue shows them in the field with each of them having a moment to shine and showcase their power sets. (Except Castle who is more of the “guy in the chair.”) It’s a thrilling mesh of spy craft and the world of DC Comics making for a premiere issue that is sure to get readers excited for issue #2.

Issue #1 begins with a ship being taken over by pirates as Indian intelligence decides how to handle the hostage situation. While military personnel bicker, Arclight, Saya, and Dodge are already taking over the situation—especially since they are aware the ship might be containing goods that are not what they appear. Meanwhile, the group is due for a shakeup as their former leader, Rathi, is now passing the torch to up and coming intelligence officer Ms. Saha.

The world of DC Comics is rich in history and comics like The Vigil show how this universe is ever growing and has unlimited potential in characters and storytelling. This issue is nothing short of exciting and the mesh of sci-fi and espionage makes for a compelling first issue. It’s evident readers are in for one hell of a ride.

Written by Ram V, there is an energy in the dialogue and plot points that make for a great reading experience. The excitement of the team working swiftly while political bureaucrats argue fits perfectly into the spy world. This team isn’t one to be messed with and it’s well conveyed in this issue. Additionally, I particularly liked how the team is described to have been in the DC Comics Universe for some time. (Anyone who has read Dawn of DC: We are Legends or Detective Comics #1070 knows they have been making their presence known.)

The Vigil team members have incredibly cool designs and the entire art team does a phenomenal job at bringing them onto the page. Lalit Kumar Sharma has a great eye for cinematic panels and action sequences and Rain Beredo’s colors enhance the line work—especially in the fighting style of the character, Dodge. Meanwhile, the design of Saya, the face shifting member, makes for a unique power set with lots of potential. Dave Sharpe’s lettering throughout the issue does an excellent job with some of the more dialogue heavy panels. Finally, there is the awesome cover done by Sumit Kumar. The minimal design is well done and is reminiscent of older spy movies. If someone had told me it was a movie poster, I would have believed them.