Dept. H (2016), Volume 1

January 23, 2017
Special investigator Mia is assigned to look into what is presumed to be an accident at a research facility six miles below the ocean’s surface, a mishap that claimed the life of her father, only to discover that the clues point to murder. Set against a backdrop of deep-sea exploration, this exciting narrative works well as a mystery that happens to take place within a science-fiction context. The undersea locale evokes the claustrophobia and isolation of films like Alien and The Abyss, while providing the protagonist with a crew of possible suspects that includes once-trusted friends and respected elders and pitting them all against unknown aquatic life-forms. Mia proves a smart,capable, no-nonsense professional, so readers are swiftly invested in seeing just how she will unravel this whodunit. Matt’s (Mind MGMT, Past Aways) deft scripting and sketchy illustrations mesh perfectly with Sharlene’s moody color tones. Further volumes are to follow, and readers will be eager for more.

Starred review from May 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-Matt Kindt delivers another amazing graphic novel with an imaginative premise. This is a highly unusual locked-room mystery, centering on an unexplained death that occurred in an undersea research station. Mia is sent down to the station to find out exactly what happened to her father. She doesn't know if his death was accidental or intentional or whether it was part of a larger plan. What she does know is that several people she once trusted, including her brother and a former friend, are among the suspects. The book jumps between the present and the past as Mia's memories keep pushing to the surface, making connections between then and now. This is a gripping murder mystery, made even more fascinating by the conflicting emotions that rage inside Mia as she tries to uncover the truth. Soon it becomes clear that her own safety is at risk, whether she is inside the station or out in the deepest part of the ocean, surrounded by sea creatures. The Kindts' illustrations are murky and rough, capturing the dreamlike quality of the undersea world and drawing readers further into this surreal story. VERDICT An enthralling mystery in a unique setting that will leave graphic novel fans clamoring for the next volume in the series.-Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

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