Decorum by Jonathan Hickman and Mike Huddleston review

Book links: Amazon, Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jonathan Hickman (born September 3, 1972, South Carolina) is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write Avengers and New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. As of 2015, he is writing the crossover event Secret Wars.

Publisher: Image Comics (May 3, 2022) Page count: 408

Are you tired of reading the same old comic book stories? Do you want to explore an entirely new universe filled with unique characters, plot twists, and mind-bending concepts? Look no further than Jonathan Hickman's Decorum.

Meet Neha Noori Sood. A pacifist and a decent human being struggling to survive in a hostile, post-apocalyptic, world. She likes noodles and dislikes violence. How then, you may ask, she ended as an assassin apprentice? Now, that's a tricky question. The answer involves a poised and elegant assassin, Imogen Marley.

While Imogen doesn't believe Neha is a rough diamond, she believes she can make her a decent assassin. And so her training starts.

Simultaneously we follow a weird and complex storyline about robots trying to destroy an egg containing a potential Messiah. This narrative gets dense and demonstrates Hickman's ability to craft complex, multilayered narratives that keep readers guessing until the very end. 

The colors in this book are striking, with many panels appearing mostly in black-and-white with varying amounts of color. Mike Huddleston brings Hickman's vision to life with stunning visuals that are beautiful and disturbing. Each panel is meticulously crafted, drawing readers deeper into the world of Decorum. Huddleston uses color as part of the storytelling; at times the color is focusing readers on specific plot elements, and sometimes it simply enhances the impact of scenes. The effect is gorgeous.

One of the things that make Decorum so compelling is its attention to detail. Every aspect of the series, from the setting to the technology or clothes, is thoughtfully designed. This level of detail adds depth and richness to the story, making it feel like a fully realized world rather than just a collection of ideas.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about Decorum is its willingness to take risks. Hickman isn't afraid to challenge readers with new ideas and concepts, and a unique (and yes, also self-indulging) approach to storytelling. For me, the series is all the better for it. That said, I'll understand why some readers will dislike Hickman's choices. Decorum is a comic book series that demands your full attention, but it's also rewarding and worth a re-read. 

In short, Decorum is a must-read comic book series for anyone who loves science fiction, complex narratives, and stunning artwork. Jonathan Hickman has created a fascinating universe filled with characters that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. Don't miss out on this incredible series – pick up a copy of Decorum today.