String

Imagine knowing what no one else knows. Just by looking at those around you, it is possible to detect those with personal relationships and those who might have committed murder. The evidence being visual strings that interconnect between individuals. Blue strings that indicate a romantic or physical relationship, and black strings that reveal either a murder committed or a soon to be victim.

Yoon’s Gift

That is the gift that Yoon-Soon Namgung is either blessed or cursed with, depending on who you ask. She has used her talents to assist Police with cases as a civilian consultant. Especially those that have gone cold. In those situations, the reaction by people to her talents vary. Some are fascinated by her ability and others are afraid of what she might know about them. No one likes their personal lives out there for public consumption. Even if it’s just a public of one. This is the premise of Mad Cave’s String.

Romance or Murder

In this unique tale by writer Paul Tobin and artist Carlos Javier Oliveras, String explores what the effect would be on a person if they had the ability to see murder connections. Deaths that have already happened or ones that are in the future. But what happens when that possibility connects to themselves. Nothing like knowing that you are either going to be murdered or kill someone yourself. Hard NOT to be looking over your shoulder in THAT scenario.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Comic page showing two characters in a morgue escaping hastily, running through hallways, bursting through a door, and then fleeing on a motorcycle. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. A woman walks in a cemetery; mist surrounds her. Below, she discusses something with a man on a street near a parked car. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. A chaotic comic scene shows a man with a scratched face holding a dog, while a shocked woman and another man react. The dog is thrown into the air as chaos unfolds near parked vehicles.

Following the Strings

But that is the situation that Yoon finds herself in. Aided by Detective Luke Mayfield, who had enlisted Yoon’s aid on some cold cases, she must go through her own unsolved cases to try to discern who might want her dead. Along the way, she will be find herself surrounded by a self-destructive man with  an “explosive” temper, unstable jealous women, dangerous gang leaders and an adult entertainment agent with animal issues. Are any of these people connected to HER possible death? That is what String will reveal.

Thoughts

Part of the intrigue in Mad Caves’s String is not only its unique premise, but how that talent affects those that know about it. Most consider Yoon as a freak, either because of fear of her abilities or their nervousness about having their “secrets” revealed. This is just as true when talking about romantic relationships as it would about a possible murder. No one likes their dirty laundry out there. (Just ask The Eagles).

With that kind of negative vibes coming from people, it is not surprising that Yoon has trust issues with people, especially men. Tobin explores that dynamic throughout this first volume with candid dialogue and Yoon’s willingness to throw herself into conflict. Lack of courage is not Yoon’s weakness although Luke does question her wisdom at times. But you can’t pull on a string of a knot without SOMETHING happening, either good or bad. MadCave’s String makes that journey worth the pull, mixing action and intrigue around every corner. Combined with Carlos Javier Oliveras excellent artwork and energetic panels, you will not be disappointed and ready to see what might be next.

Look for Mad Cave’s Studios String, TPB by Paul Tobin, Carlos Javier Oliveras, Sara Colella, James B. Emmett and Taylor Esposito to hit stands on May 21st where great comics are sold.