• News
  • Features
  • Video Games
    • Previews
    • PC
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X/S
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Xbox One
    • PS4
    • Android
    • iOS
    • Tabletop
  • Film
  • TV
  • Anime
  • Comics
    • BOOM! Studios
    • Dark Horse Comics
    • DC Comics
    • IDW Publishing
    • Image Comics
    • Indie Comics
    • Marvel Comics
    • Oni-Lion Forge
    • Valiant Comics
    • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Interviews
    • BWT Recommends
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube Discord
Trending:
  • Features
    Logitech G Creator Series - But Why Tho (3)

    Logitech G Creator Series Puts Creators First

    09/21/2023
    Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth - But Why Tho

    Everything We Know About ‘Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth’

    09/20/2023

    Everything To Know About Kenjaku

    09/15/2023

    Everything to Know About Kento Nanami

    09/14/2023
    Suguru Geto - But Why Tho (1)

    Everything to Know About Suguru Geto

    09/14/2023
  • Netflix
  • Jujutsu Kaisen
  • Star Wars
  • Fantastic Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » Comics » REVIEW: ‘Hollow Heart,’ Issue #1
Hollow Heart #1

REVIEW: ‘Hollow Heart,’ Issue #1

Charles HartfordBy Charles Hartford02/17/20214 Mins Read
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Content Warning: Hollow Heart #1 deals with themes of suicide.

Hollow Heart #1 is published by Vault Comics, written by Paul Allor, art by Paul Tucker, and letters by Paul Allor. Meet El. All that remains of El are some of his vital organs, which have been locked inside an armored bio-suit; how he came to be in this state or why are unknown. But one thing is for sure, he isn’t happy, and he is extremely alone.

Loneliness, depression, and isolation. Sadly, these are everyday feelings for many. And despite their prevalence, they can be extremely difficult to talk about. After all, the how’s, whys, and when these feelings visit people can be vastly different from person to person. It is for this reason that anchoring stories on these sorts of topics can be so tricky. What perfectly captures the experience for one person may fail utterly for another. And while I’ve experienced media that nails these themes, it falls short more often than not. Plus, another difficulty makes these concepts a challenging central theme for a comic in particular. They are concepts that take time to grow.

When Hollow Heart #1 opens, we are dropped into the middle of an escape attempt on the part of El. We see him run into security and promptly be disabled through the use of some sort of electrical subjugation device. A lot is going on here that is not clarified for the reader. What is this place? How did El find himself here since he does not wish to be here? Is this some form of prison? None of this is clarified, and those details could have a tremendous impact on how the reader ultimately views El.

Once El is back in his room, he meets Mateo. Mateo is a mechanic who has been assigned to repair El’s damage from his escape attempt. As the mechanic gets to work, he tries to strike up a conversation with El. Though at first, El is reluctant to talk. Through some casual kindness on the part of Mateo, El eventually is willing to talk with him. While Mateo shows El some much-needed respect, he isn’t without his faults here. Well, possibly. While some of Mateo’s actions are manipulative, it can be argued that they are nonetheless done with good intentions. Something for the reader to judge.

During their discussion about El’s escape attempt, El tells Mateo about his tether. A system that, if he managed to get outside the structure that they are in, his life support would cut out, and he would die. This revelation changes the motivations of El’s earlier escape completely.

After his work with El is done, Mateo attempts to clear his head a little by searching out some human companionship. During his search, he comes to a conclusion. He is going to help El.

The writing in Hollow Heart #1 is such that it would be easy to overlook. While most of the conversations that take place are brief, writer Allor puts a sizable nuance level into each, allowing the characters to speak louder than their words.

This nuanced expression is further projected in Tucker’s art. Of which the greatest achievement therein has to be the way the artist captures El.

All the reader sees of El is his face. Well, what’s left of it anyway. As little more than a floating skull with eyes, Tucker manages to give El a profound and heartfelt presence in the panels. El’s pain is always palpable. While El is the central focus, he is far from the only one hurting here. And every emotion within these panels is captured well.

When all is said and done, Hollow Heart #1 delivers an interesting and emotional beginning. While there are many questions that need answering about this story’s protagonists and situations, it certainly feels like it has something to say. Whether or not that message will ultimately resonate with readers is something only time will tell.

Hollow Heart #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.

Hollow Heart #1
4

TL;DR

When all is said and done, Hollow Heart #1 delivers an interesting and emotional beginning. While there are many questions that need answering about this story’s protagonists and situations, it certainly feels like it has something to say. Whether or not that message will ultimately resonate with readers is something only time will tell.

  • Buy via ComiXology Affiliate Link
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘Iron Man,’ Issue #6
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon,’ Issue #2
Charles Hartford
  • X (Twitter)

Lifelong geek who enjoys comics, video games, movies, reading and board games . Over the past year I’ve taken a more active interest in artistic pursuits including digital painting, and now writing. I look forward to growing as a writer and bettering my craft in my time here!

Related Posts

Alien #5 — But Why Tho

REVIEW: ‘Alien’ Issue #5

08/16/2023
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Finale

REVIEW: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2 Finale Leaves Viewers Wanting More

08/10/2023
Star Trek Strange New Worlds Season 2 - But Why Tho

REVIEW: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2 Boldly Tackles Multiple Genres

08/10/2023
TRENDING POSTS
Straw Hat Pirates Ranked — But Why Tho BWT Recommends

Every Straw Hat Crew Member Ranked

By LaNeysha Campbell09/02/2023

The Straw Hat Pirates have captured the hearts of fans worldwide, but where does every member of this crew rank?

Anime

REVIEW: ‘LINK CLICK’ Season 2 Episode 12 — “Can’t Live Without A Good Brother”

By Kyle Foley09/22/2023

LINK CLICK Season 2 Episode 12 ties up so many loose ends while also setting up a third season in excellent fashion.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 9 - But Why Tho Anime

REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Episode 33 — “The Shibuya Incident – Gate, Open”

By Charles Hartford09/21/2023

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 9 sees Gojo battle the cursed spirits while tryin to keep human loses to a minimum but a trap is set.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2023 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.