Today I’ll be taking a look at Sweet Tooth, a 40-issue comic series written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire. The book was published by DC Comics under the Vertigo label, and originally ran from 2009- 2013. Sweet Tooth was also adapted into a Netflix show, but this review will focus strictly on the source material. There’s also a six-issue sequel mini-series, sub-titled The Return, that was published in 2020-2021, which I may discuss in the future.

The story of Sweet Tooth is set in a post-apocalyptic America, and a plague of unknown origin has decimated the human population causing society as a whole to collapse. Additionally, many children born in the aftermath of the disease are born as animal hybrids. The new breed of humans are the only people that are completely immune to the disease. Our main character, Gus, is a hybrid who has been raised in complete seclusion by his father within a wilderness sanctuary in Nebraska.

Above all else, Gus’ father warns him to never leave the safety of the forest as his father brands other survivors as sinners deserving punishment. Eventually, Gus decides to go against his father’s wishes after being saved from hunters by a man named Tommy Jepperd. Jepperd promises to lead Gus to a safe haven for hybrids, known as “The Preserve,” and the two set out into the dangers of the unknown.

Sweet Tooth sets itself apart from other stories in the genre as a result of its strong themes, often surrounding religion and morality combined with distinctive characters. Lemire also crafts a creative mythology surrounding the animal hybrids that are gradually unveiled throughout the story. Gus and Jepperd are both equally compelling protagonists, while the side characters are also exceptionally well-written. Lemire takes his time establishing each new cast member, delving deep into their past and showing how that has influenced their personality within the grim wasteland. Dialogue is also strong as it not only advances the plot but develops the personalities of our cast.

Another thing that is truly exceptional about this series is the paneling. Lemire consistently develops creative page layouts to enforce specific ideas, increase the dramatic tension, or add emotional weight to certain scenes. It’s a truly masterful use of the medium.

I particularly enjoy how Lemire places dialogue and narration in a way that draws your eyes across the page and through the action naturally. There are even certain issues that completely change the format letting Lemire’s prose take over the pages. It’s almost as though you are reading a picture book for adults, which plays into the whole “fairy tale” motif that is often employed to showcase Gus’ character development.

Lemire’s art style is certainly one that has garnered a lot of divisive opinions among comic fans. It’s usually either loved or hated, but I find it fits perfectly with this story. There isn’t a lot of beauty left within this barren world and the artwork’s simplistic style complements this. Backgrounds are colored with various shades of grey, brown, and white reflecting how life is dying. Meanwhile, characters are often straight-up ugly, featuring withdrawn, wrinkle-filled expressions or greasy thin hair. The hybrids share unnerving combinations of animal and human characteristics illustrating how the surviving humans view them as nothing more than unnatural monstrosities.

I honestly can’t find many weaknesses in Sweet Tooth. While its post-apocalyptic setting isn’t particularly new, the characters have enough intriguing aspects to them that I was always interested in seeing how their story would end.

While some readers may find this story to simply be wallowing in misery from the initial few issues, I assure you, that isn’t the case. Sweet Tooth examines the darkness within humanity often throughout the story but complements it with an underlying message of hope. This all culminates into an exceptionally satisfying ending that makes everything worthwhile. If you are looking for a well-written narrative that delivers some compelling characters, social commentary, and stays consistently good from beginning to end, then give Sweet Tooth a read.

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Also, if you’d like to join the Phenixx Gaming team, check out our recruitment article for details on working with us.

Phenixx Gaming is proud to be a Humble Partner! Purchases made through our affiliate links support our writers and charity!

Sweet Tooth Compendium

$59.99

10

Score

10.0/10

Pros

• Great Characters
• Strong themes
• Compelling worldbuilding
• Excellent paneling and coloring