Grinding Against The Marrow #1, written by the mononymously-monikered creator, Snake, and illustrated by Mauro De Falco, is a comic that introduces itself in a burst of kinetic energy, pausing for a breather only to deliver a great piece of poetry before retreating back into the darkness from whence it came.

It’s Halloween. A terrifyingly amoral gang of masked youths roam the streets. Homeless, Muslim, ex-junkie Soma is stuck, going nowhere, until a lifeline is offered. She has a chance to leave the dangerous urban wasteland forever, but can’t resist doing the right thing. On her way out, she sees a terrible situation unfolding, and feels compelled to step in. With the horrifically sadistic teens hunting her down, will she be able to escape for good?

I was genuinely floored by this first issue of Grinding Against The Marrow; it’s a pulse-pounding thriller which takes you to the dark side of town, where life feels cheap, fleeting…and hope can barely survive in the grim urban environment.

Though it’s not afraid to dangle some awful threats in front of the reader, lead character Soma comes across as a genuinely decent and likeable character, particularly when you gain insight into her life via her brilliantly written poetry.

The chase scenes are fantastic, with a great sense of the environment as Soma’s parkour skills come into play, and there’s a real feeling that the art and action is allowed to speak for itself with minimal dialogue. 

We’re left in an intriguing place at the climax of Grinding Against The Marrow #1, with the introduction of an intriguing new character alongside Soma. I’m definitely very keen to see where we’re headed, as Soma attempts to free herself from the prison of the small town, and its small-minded, cruel inhabitants.

Grinding Against The Marrow #1 is available now on Drive Thru Comics and Comixology. Many thanks to Snake for providing me with a digital copy for review purposes.

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