Raven Nevermore Issue 1: Days of Yore. Nuno Xei (Writer), Xerx Javier (Art), Axel Rator (Colours), Ed Brisson (Letters), Samuel Casal (Cover Art). XEI (2018)

A very engaging and enjoyable opening issue to a fantasy story. Corvan Moore is a a law enforcement officer in the city of Cog Town and he is involved in a case where a new drug is being distributed by a local crime family. Corvan makes an arrest matters take a turn for the worse. The crime family respond directly to the pressure Corvan is exerting and a strange episode involving Corvan's son hints at unseen forces lurking in the background.
The story starts in one direction and steadily moves in a different one without confusion or the story mechanics tripping each other up. This is a considerable achievement by Nuni Xei as the story lines seems to be moving in two very different directions. The sort of standard fantasy story story  featuring a law enforcement office is set up very well and has a nice edge to it. There is enough force and menace to the crime family to give the storyline weight. The second storyline that emerges in hints and flashes is very different, it does not upset the balance of the cover story, instead it point neatly to new possibilities for the story and the reader. This issue announces its intentions and gives enough sense of the possibilities to capture the reader.
 Xerx Javier's art is done with a flourish  that both story lines need. The cover story of the fight against a criminal gang in a city id observed in close detail, the cast are full of energy and determination. Both Corvan Moore and his opponents are determined and willing to fight for what they want. The details of the city they move through are st up so that the physical context frames them and gives the action a real force. The second story is nicely bound up in a domestic family setting as Corvan's family are enmeshed in a very strange day. The cast are all individual and strongly expressive, they wear their costumes and move in a natural way, their body language is lucid and expressive.
The colours by  Axel Rator bring out the details of the art as well as strongly expressing the emotional tones of the story. They create an atmosphere of tension and threat that nicely picks up the nuances of the story.
Ed Brisson's lettering is natural and easy to read, they flow in the story never slowing down the reader. The sound effects are neatly place and expressive, they give a extra push to the story.
The cover is a pleasure to read and look at, Samuel Casal has captured the sense of the story and provided an intriguing image for the reader.
Raver Nevermore: Days of Yore does what a first issue should do with confidence and flair, establish the story, introduce the cast and invite the reader along for the ride. I am very happy to accept that invitation.