PaperFilms; crowdfunded 

Decades ago, Paul Barry’s deep sea exploration crew was lost under inexplicable circumstances, and he’s spent the intervening years plagued by guilt and not knowing what happened. Now not only has their vessel been found, the crew is alive and they appear not to have aged a day in the interim. It’s a massive mystery, one that unfolds beautifully in the hands of writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, artist Tony Aikins, and colorist Paul Mounts. 

Pamiotti and Gray, who both write separately as well as in collaboration with each other, have produced a long slate of thought-provoking, fun comics over the years, spanning a diverse roster from Jonah Hex and All-Star Western to 21 Down and Trailblazer. 

Paired with Akins and frequent collaborator Mounts, they paint a vivid, entertaining picture that pulls the reader along on a rollercoaster ride with a series of wrenching twists and turns. The best comics make it almost impossible for you to wait to turn the page, and Deep Sea delivers on the score.  

Originally serialized in Dark Horse Presents, this version captures what the creators set out to do. We’ve seen films like The Abyss and read novels such as Sphere, so weird underwater goings on a science fiction and horror staple, but this one is its own thing, fresh and ready to roll. Find a way to get a copy. 

– J.C. Vaughn