Webcomic Spotlight: The Naturals
If webcomics were people, The Specialists and The Naturals would be cousins with a striking family resemblance. The Naturals takes place in the wake of a First World War that was won with the help of the titular superpowered soldiers. And like The Specialists, The Naturals exposes a darker reality behind the gung-ho facade of wartime propaganda.
The webcomic has nearly completed its first chapter, which introduces Layton, a young man with a grotesque and abusive father. He’s bored by and skeptical of the Naturals until an ironic twist forces a change of perspective.
We also meet Liberty Larry, a hulking Natural depicted in the newsreels as a hero, but who is really a murderous thug. Larry is stalked by a mysterious, shadowy figure who seems to be hunting Naturals.
Visually, The Naturals is very polished. Ryan Lee’s artwork has a gritty and distinctive style and establishes a fairly dark tone. His action scenes are kinetic and extremely violent. I also want to point out the gorgeous site design. Few webcomic sites look as nice as this one.
In a story like this, the first chapter is — by necessity — dense with exposition and stage-setting. But writer Chris Meeuwes has crafted a well-paced and compelling story. With the pieces all in place, I’m eager to see where the next chapter goes.
If you like The Specialists (and I assume that you do, since you’re here), give The Naturals a look. It’s probably right up your alley! You can read it in webcomic form, or you can pick up the collected first chapter, which will be available at Cincy Comic Con this weekend. This is a 40-page book, and includes an awesome pinup gallery of Liberty Larry drawings from various artists.