by Jade Ashely

Ever feel like you’re crazy? That people around you just don’t get it? Are the voices in your head too loud? Do your parents push you aside or consider you a burden?

Meet Syd. She’s been hearing voices in her head her whole life. No amount of therapy, medication or help from professionals can silence them. After a failed suicide attempt, a mysterious man named The Voice checks her out of the hospital and brings her to his home. There, she meets the others: Fagen, Wire, Runt, Blurgirl, Moon, Misery Kid, Maisie, and Gruff. Syd finds out that she’s not crazy at all. In fact, she’s a telepath. Now, she’s among people just like her. People who have been made to feel insane, but in actuality they’re gifted... they’re special. They’ve built up a life for themselves with The Voice as their leader and mentor. But, the way they’ve done it is not exactly moral. They don’t use their abilities for good, they prey on the innocent, and they want Syd to be one of them.

“They’re Not Like Us: Black Holes for the Young” from Image comics is original and fresh. A real page turner. I expected this to be good when I picked it up, as Image has put out most of my favorites. I wasn’t disappointed. The story really hooks you in right from the beginning and it just keeps on getting better from there. It’s dark and gritty but at the same time manages to have a lot of heart. The art in “They’re Not Like Us” is really beautiful. Aside from the story being great, it’s just pretty to look at. The coloring is what really got me, it brings the whole story to life. The writing is smart and unpredictable. I highly recommend picking this one up. If you’re looking for a story that’ll leave you wanting more, definitely check out volume one of “They’re Not Like Us: Black Holes for the Young” by Eric Stephenson, Simon Gane and Jordie Bellaire!