The Beauty Volume 1 (Review)

A sexually-transmitted disease aggressively spreads across the world. But this is one disease people actually want to catch: a disease that makes those infected physically beautiful. Two years after the Beauty burst onto the scene, over half of America is infected. Now, it looks like the downside may be far worse than anyone suspected. Detectives Vaughn and Foster find themselves on the front line of the battle against the Beauty, embroiled in a conspiracy they never knew existed.

The Beauty has one of the most original concepts I've seen in a comic book in a very long time. Imagine a world where people want to get an STD. Unlike AIDS or other STD's this one makes people physically beautiful. Anyone who is self conscious about their weight, physical appearance would probably consider getting this STD. Reading The Beauty I felt myself relating to our main characters Detectives Vaughn and Foster. Detective Vaughn unfortunately  has been infected with The Beauty. However she's not like everyone else that has it. She remembers that this still is an STD. She hates the fact that she has an STD and isn't celebrating the fact that she has one. I related to her the most mainly because she knows that regardless of how an illness might benefit you it's still an illness. The Beauty captures some many social themes, ideals and views in this volume alone. One of the things that really worked for was this division in society. On one side you have people who wanted the diseases and felt that it was the greatest thing in the world. Then on the other side you have anti-beauty protesters who feel that it's an abomination and that it should be treated as disease. I love the tension and views from both perspectives. The story is written so well that it's truly feels like this can actually happen.

While the main focus of the story is to expose the disease for what it really is. There are some other plots within the story that is just as tense and entertaining. The government knows the true effects of The Beauty and of course is covering it up. Instead of finding a cure or holding back the cure they just want to patch it up. I loved every single page and moment that this book had to offer. It's smart, touches on social issues without choosing a side but instead presenting it to you for you to come with your own views. It's fun to have a conversation with those who read the book and wondering who will take The Beauty. How would the Government handle something like this? If you're going read any comic this year I highly recommend this book. The book has something for everyone. There is action and a ruthless antagonist, there is a great character study on those infected and not infected by the disease. In addition the art work is spectacular. It's time for us to get infected by the world of The Beauty.

Final Grade 9.0/10