The Wake

The Wake tells a story that spans two timelines - one in the near future and one hundreds of years later. Marine biologist Lee Archer accepts a government mission to study an underwater creature discovered in Arctic waters. A team of specialists assembles at an offshore oil rig to investigate the mysterious discovery. What begins as a scientific expedition transforms into a fight for survival as ancient forces emerge from the depths. The narrative shifts between Dr. Archer's initial encounter and a far-future world where rising seas have reshaped civilization. In this flooded landscape, a young woman named Leeward searches for answers about humanity's past and the creatures that changed everything. The Wake combines elements of marine biology, folklore, and post-apocalyptic fiction to explore humanity's relationship with the ocean's mysteries. The story raises questions about evolution, survival, and the untold histories that lie beneath the surface.

Readers rate The Wake higher for its first half than its second half. Many note the dramatic tonal and setting shift midway through makes it feel like two different stories combined. Readers praised: - Sean Murphy's detailed artwork, especially the underwater scenes - The horror elements and creature designs - World-building and mythology - The claustrophobic atmosphere of the first half Common criticisms: - Confusing plot in the second half - Ending feels rushed and leaves questions unanswered - Some found the genre shift jarring and unsatisfying - Scientific explanations can be dense Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (120+ ratings) Comic Book Roundup: 8.3/10 Sample reader quote: "The first 5 issues are a perfect horror comic. The last 5 are interesting but messy sci-fi that doesn't quite stick the landing." - Goodreads reviewer

The Deep by Peter Benchley Marine biologists face ancient underwater horrors while investigating mysterious disappearances in the Bermuda depths.

Sphere by Michael Crichton A team of scientists encounters an alien spacecraft at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, leading to psychological terror and underwater isolation.

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant A marine research vessel searches for the truth about a previous expedition's disappearance, uncovering predatory creatures in the Mariana Trench.

The Swarm by Frank Schätzing Scientists worldwide race to understand why sea creatures have begun attacking humanity in coordinated strikes.

Dead Sea by Tim Curran A cargo ship becomes trapped in a section of the ocean where evolution took a different path, surrounding the crew with prehistoric marine horrors.

🌊 The story's main protagonist, Dr. Lee Archer, was inspired by real-life marine biologist Eugenie Clark, known as "The Shark Lady" for her groundbreaking research on sharks. 🧬 Author Scott Snyder extensively researched marine biology and deep-sea creatures while writing the book, consulting with multiple scientists to ensure scientific accuracy where possible. 🗺️ The underwater research facility featured in the book was modeled after actual deep-sea research stations, including the Aquarius Reef Base off the Florida Keys. 🎨 Artist Sean Murphy spent months developing the unique look of the book's mermaids, combining features of deep-sea creatures like anglerfish with human characteristics to create something both familiar and terrifying. 📚 The Wake was originally conceived as a five-issue mini-series but was expanded to ten issues after Snyder realized the story was too complex to tell in the shorter format.