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Draft:Gray Cells

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gray Cells is a noir-style comic book limited series created by Lawrence Goodman[1], with art by Kay[1], who is known for his work on The Phantom.[2] The comic features colouring by Corey Matthews[3] and lettering by Nikki Powers[3].

The series is set in the fictional city of Stonebridge and centres on Lina Santos, a determined journalist investigating the mysterious abduction of a young boy named Josh Glass. The story delves into themes of corruption, distrust of authority, and the supernatural, with Lina facing both systemic obstacles and a terrifying antagonist capable of manipulating the minds of his victims[4].

Reception

In 2023, the comic was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 Glyph Awards.[5]

Plot summary

Plot synopsis from Inked Dreams Comics:

"8 year old Josh Glass is snatched from his home in the night by a deadly predator with unnatural powers. What begins as journalist Lina Santos’ first big story, descends into a trial by fire as she delves deeper into the city’s dark underbelly to discover the truth.

Corrupt institutions, an apathetic police force and an uncaring system stand in her way as she fights her way closer to a monster only the children seem aware of. Can she save Josh and the others before it’s too late?"

Set in the gritty and corrupt urban landscape of Stonebridge, Gray Cells follows Lina Santos, a tenacious journalist determined to uncover the truth behind the abduction of Josh Glass, a young boy who mysteriously disappears. As Lina digs deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of institutional corruption and an apathetic police force that hinders her investigation at every turn.

However, Lina’s pursuit of the truth leads her into a dark and supernatural realm, where she faces off against a malevolent force that bends reality itself. The antagonist is a sinister figure who has the ability to manipulate the minds of his victims, causing them to perceive reality in distorted ways. As Lina struggles to uncover the truth, she finds herself confronting multiple conflicting accounts of events, each shaped by the antagonist's mental influence. With only the children of the city seeming to have a clear understanding of the creature’s presence, Lina must piece together the true nature of the monster and navigate the fractured reality she finds herself trapped within.[6]

Themes and Style

Gray Cells blends noir elements with supernatural horror, creating a dark atmosphere where moral ambiguity and psychological tension are at the forefront. The comic explores themes of systemic corruption, the distortion of truth, and the psychological manipulation of victims. The fractured storytelling, where each character perceives events differently due to the antagonist's powers, gives the narrative a unique twist, keeping readers guessing as Lina seeks to uncover the truth.[7]

References

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Offenberger, Rik (September 13, 2021). "Lawrence Goodman talks about GRAY CELLS". First Comic News.

"52570, 1894-05-04, LEEDS (Duke of) ; DUNBAR (Duncan) † ; et a." Art Sales Catalogues Online. Retrieved 2024-12-12.

Goodman, Lawrence (2023). Gray Cells. Markosia (published January 2023). ISBN 9781915387882.

Brooke, David (2021-09-08). "New supernatural neo-noir thriller 'Gray Cells' mixes X-Men with the dangers of reality • AIPT". Retrieved 2024-12-12.

Simons, Dean (2023-04-27). "Syndicated Comics". The Beat. Retrieved 2024-12-12.

Browne, Wendy (2021-10-26). "INTERVIEW: Lawrence Goodman Dives into the City's Dark, Supernatural Underbelly in Gray Cells - WWAC %". WWAC. Retrieved 2024-12-12.

Brooke, David (2021-09-08). "New supernatural neo-noir thriller 'Gray Cells' mixes X-Men with the dangers of reality • AIPT". Retrieved 2024-12-12.