There are comic books, and then there are projects that feel like events—where the names attached stop you in your tracks. Essentials, the latest release from The Lab Press, falls firmly in the second camp. Written by actor-turned-author Luke Arnold and brought to life by artistic legends Bill Sienkiewicz and Glenn Fabry, this is a book that demands attention not just for what it says, but for how it looks and what it represents in the evolving landscape of independent comics.
A New Voice in Comics: Luke Arnold
Luke Arnold might be best known to many as an actor, particularly for his role in Black Sails, but Essentials proves he’s got serious storytelling chops on the page too. If you’ve read his novels or followed his creative journey, this leap into comics isn’t exactly surprising—it feels earned. But Essentials isn’t just a celebrity vanity project. This is a tightly written, emotionally resonant narrative with a deep sense of character, stakes, and a world that’s both fresh and strangely familiar.
Arnold brings a writer's sense of control and rhythm to every page. There’s weight behind the dialogue, tension in the silences, and clarity in the chaos. He seems just as interested in the quiet moments of humanity as he is in the spectacle—which is exactly where his collaborators come in.
Bill Sienkiewicz: A Visual Force of Nature
The mention of Bill Sienkiewicz comic book immediately conjures up certain expectations: bold, kinetic art that refuses to sit still, explosive experimentation, and a style that has influenced an entire generation of artists. Sienkiewicz is, quite frankly, a living legend—known for redefining visual storytelling in titles like Elektra: Assassin and New Mutants.
In Essentials, Sienkiewicz brings all of that signature energy but filters it through the needs of a new voice. He doesn’t overwhelm the narrative—he elevates it. His pages are filled with motion and mood, using abstraction and impressionism to deepen the emotional resonance. You don’t just see the story—you feel it vibrating under the surface.
Glenn Fabry: Hyperrealism with Grit
And then there’s Glenn Fabry. For those unfamiliar, Fabry is best known for his iconic cover work on Preacher and Hellblazer—his hyper-realistic, painterly style contrasting sharply with the wild chaos of Sienkiewicz. That contrast isn’t a weakness in Essentials—it’s a feature. Where Sienkiewicz fractures the page, Fabry anchors it. His contributions bring weight and substance, often grounding scenes that might otherwise spiral into the surreal. If you're seeking a Glenn fabry comic book that shows off what makes him one of the greats, this is a worthy addition to that list.
Together, Fabry and Sienkiewicz form a kind of artistic counterpoint—impressionism and realism, chaos and control, modern and mythic.
Why Essentials Matters
At a time when mainstream comics often feel creatively stagnant or driven more by cinematic synergy than genuine storytelling, Essentials is a reminder of what the medium can be. It’s unafraid to take risks. It doesn’t water itself down. And it comes from a place of passion, not corporate obligation.
This book isn’t just a playground for great art—it’s a meaningful narrative that resonates beyond the page. It tackles themes like identity, survival, transformation, and the weight of memory with nuance and ambition.
Where to Get It
The best part? Essentials is available directly from the source—The Lab Press, a platform built to give creators full control over their work and to connect directly with readers. That means no middlemen, no gatekeepers—just powerful storytelling, straight from artist to audience.
If you're a fan of Bill Sienkiewicz comic books, if you’ve followed Glenn Fabry’s work for years, or if you’re just discovering Luke Arnold’s creative voice, this is a book that deserves a spot in your collection.
Final Thoughts
Essentials isn’t just another comic—it’s a collaboration between three distinctive creators at the top of their game. It's fresh, ambitious, and crafted with the kind of care and conviction that feels increasingly rare. Whether you’re a long-time comics fan or just someone who appreciates bold storytelling, Essentials lives up to its name. It’s essential reading.
