REVIEW: ‘We Only Find Then When They’re Dead,’ Issue #6

We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #6 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Al Ewing, art by Simone Di Meo, colors by Mariasars Miotti, and letters by AndWorld Design. On the deep edges of Space exist beings of immense size, too big to comprehend. They are referred to as Gods. For as long as anyone can remember however, when they arrive at this point, they’re dead, and no one knows why.

Previously, Georges Malik and his crew ventured deeper into space than is permitted by the mining guild. They were followed by Richter, an Escort Officer designed to keep the God mining ships in line and following inner world protocols. The time for Richter and Malik to finally settle their feud is now, as the details of their past finally come to the surface. Upon hearing the news, Malik’s crew abandon him, and Paula is killed in action. Years later, he returned, as a space god himself.

In issue #6 we picked up some 40 years since the Malik God entered mining space. News of his travels has spread and grown over time. These revelations gave birth to a new organized religion that currently maintains possession of the body of their fallen comrade. The believers are seeking absolution, and hope to gain the cosmic favor of this benevolent and mysterious race of beings. There are many forces who wish to control this enormous commodity, but only two with the power to see it happen.

Ewing’s original story is highly captivating, and full of some fascinating characters. Throughout the first arc, the plot races forward and just as you get some solid footing Ewing pulls the floor from underneath you. Issue #6 sets up an entirely new arc in a future period, so this story takes its time in restringing the world and the characters involved.

The artwork from Di Meo, paired with the colors from Miotti, is simply superb. The creative pair have devised a style that not only brightens the page but elicits a nostalgic 80s vision of space without it feeling dated or out of place. Given the vastness of space, and the lack of light, Miotti finds tantalizing ways to bathe the page in a wonderful array of colors that really compliment the story and the characters. Di Meols’ panels are packed to the rafters with details, but they find the balance by not overwhelming the eye as well. The ability the artist has in rendering the sheer scale of the Gods is something to be truly admired. The lettering from AndWorld Design strikes a good balance of font style, size, and page placement.

Overall, We Only Find Them When They’re Dead issue #6 promises another out of this cosmos arc. The combination of complex characters with competing power dynamics, and paired with the stunning visuals results in this being a superb story. Issue #6 carefully lays the plot for some future carnage.

We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #6