Dept. H, Vol. 1

Special investigator Mia is assigned to look into what is presumed to be an accident at a research facility six miles below the ocean’s surface, a mishap that claimed the life of her father, only to discover that the clues point to murder. Set against a backdrop of deep-sea exploration, this exciting narrative works well as a mystery that happens to take place within a science-fiction context. The undersea locale evokes the claustrophobia and isolation of films like Alien and The Abyss, while providing the protagonist with a crew of possible suspects that includes once-trusted friends and respected elders and pitting them all against unknown aquatic life-forms. Mia proves a smart,capable, no-nonsense professional, so readers are swiftly invested in seeing just how she will unravel this whodunit. Matt’s (Mind MGMT, Past Aways) deft scripting and sketchy illustrations mesh perfectly with Sharlene’s moody color tones. Further volumes are to follow, and readers will be eager for more. (Feb.)