REVIEW Resident Evil Infinite Darkness The Beginning: A high-paced, full-color manga worth your attention
As a long-time Resident Evil fan, I was hyped to stumble upon the fresh manga, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness The Beginning. This unique addition to the Resident Evil universe unfolds its narrative before the events of the 2021 animated series, offering a gripping and intense storyline. The franchise has evolved significantly from the original game’s atmospheric horror in the old mansion, and this manga boldly embraces the modern, fast-paced, cinematic style that has become a signature of the newer Resident Evil entries.
From the beginning, we are introduced to Leon Kennedy, a beloved character who debuted in the iconic Resident Evil 2. This time, he’s summoned to investigate a bombing at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. However, the situation quickly escalates when a guard, who was presumed dead in the explosion, reanimates during his autopsy, triggering a series of undead chaos. From then on, it’s classic Resident Evil—mysterious and powerful villains, a mysterious and powerful virus, and hordes of zombies hungrily pursuing our heroes.
The narrative runs hot, and at times, I thought the pacing may push it to overheat. Nothing combusted. My attention was respectably held throughout the explosive ride. In all the chaos, I noticed Leon’s character is portrayed perfectly; he’s the seasoned, no-nonsense pro who knows what they’re up against and doesn’t mess around. The manga seamlessly blends high-stakes action with political intrigue, conspiracies, and drama. This creates an excellent setup where you’re facing off against zombies and unraveling a web of secrets.
The artwork is a whole meal, and they give you plenty to eat. The entire volume is presented in color, which enriches the scenes with depth and vibrancy. Carmelo Zagaria’s line work is precise and dynamic, capturing the intensity of each encounter. Valentina Cuomo and Elisa Bartolucci’s colors infuse the scenes with striking vividness, whether a dramatic explosion or a gruesome zombie attack. The artwork’s sharp angles and detailed violence perfectly complement the story’s over-the-top energy.
What I appreciated most was the balance between the political drama and the explosive zombie action. There’s a lot of intrigue and manipulation behind the scenes, but once the zombies start moving, it’s a nonstop barrage of gunfire, explosions, and blood. The story keeps you on your toes, making it hard to put down.
Author Keith R.A. DeCandido clearly understands what makes Resident Evil tick, and he delivers a storyline that’s true to the franchise’s roots while embracing its evolution. The characters, especially Leon, are well-written, and the plot flows naturally, with plenty of surprises.
I’m giving Resident Evil Infinite Darkness: The Beginning a solid 4/5.
This manga is a must-read if you’re a Resident Evil fan. It captures the essence of the series, combining action, horror, and suspense in a way that’s both fresh and familiar. I had a great time reading it, and I want to dive into that wild-looking Netflix series finally. That’s a job well done in my book.
Special Offer from Tokyopop
Here’s some exciting news, Tokyopop offers a unique Resident Evil postcard with all manga and graphic novel orders made through their website: Tokyopop.com. This promotion is running through May 30th, so take advantage of your chance to grab this exclusive item. Whether you’re a longtime Resident Evil aficionado or new to the series, this is an excellent opportunity to add something unique to your collection while exploring the latest undead adventures in Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness: The Beginning.
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