Mirror’s Edge #1 Review

DC’s Wildstorm inprint know their way around a good game licence, especially with Gears of War and World of Warcraft under their belt. Comics based on games usually fare  a lot better than films based on games, so it’s  a good thing we’re seeing  a lot of adaptations lately. Mirror’s Edge is developed from the November 13 released game based on a sci-fi version of parkour. If you’ve seen the opening of Casino Royale or the excellent French film, District B-13, you’ll know what that is – a unique style of constant motion and acrobatic movement. Basing a game on the concept seems crazy enough that it just might work, especially considering the popularity of every Spider-Man game. Hopefully the game will be about more than just running and diving and rolling though, as that novelty would soon wear out its welcome. Hopefully there’s some FPS stuff in there too.

Back to the comic – it’s not bad. There’s no set-up or introduction of the main characters, but there’s only a few so that’s not  a problem. Artist Matthew Dow Smith will be unfamiliar to most, but his body of work is quite impressive, outside of the superhero realm for the most part. I was expecting something with more flowing, organic lines to compliment the story, such as Bart Sears’ or Kyle Hotz’ style, but Smith’s hard edges, and Jim Charalampidis’ colour palette works well in the dystopian city context. Rhianna Pratchett’s script is bare but gives us the necessary details – runner/messenger Faith is learning the ropes from the older Merc in an underground resistance movement when she soon realises that her father is somehow involved. Pratchett wrote the script for the game (and is the daughter of Discworld writer, Terry Pratchett) and lays an intriguing foundation for this world, with further details to come in future issues of this mini-series I’d gather.

The game looks great and has many fans already. The comic so far appears to be a nice intro with a similar visual style and simplicity. Plus, who could resist that cover?

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November 7, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, Games, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Station #4 Review

station_04_1This is the only BOOM! series that I’ve been following with any regularity. The first issue was a winner and the last two issues proved that this book was more than just a hip concept. By the way, that hip concept is this: a cosmonaut is murdered on an international space station, and everyone’s a culprit. The 128 page TPB collecting the entire 4 issues is out in December if you want to read the complete thriller, but every issue has been structured well enough that they stand on their own very well, like little shots of caffeine. Writer Johanna Stokes has a TV background, so it’s no surprise that she crafts each ish tightly. They give just enough character moments and intrigue to keep the story moving to its inevitable conclusion.

We witness two more deaths in this final issue. Usually deaths in space involve aliens or asteroids, so the more scientific (but no less humane) deaths presented in this series is a novel one. I’ve seen my fair share of horror films over the years, so it’s good to see some unique fatalities presented in Station. They may be bloodless, but no less painful.

Having the guilty party discovered in the first few pages is also an interesting device. It’s not who I was expecting, and red herrings were planted across all three previous books, throwing most readers off the scent I’d imagine. The killer’s motivation is not a new one though, and all is not said and done after the big reveal. The station is falling apart, the shuttle that was their only means of survival is drifting off into nothingness and more finger pointing and shouting ensues. It looks like no-one will survive this mess, but somehow two manage to.

The last page is rather poetic (despite the grammatical error) but may be a let down for some after the rather hectic pace throughout the series. The pencils in this final ish, by Leno Carvalho aren’t as strong as the earlier outings either. There certainly appeared to be less detail and scientific gadgets here, and it was those elements that helped sell the initial claustrophobia. Those are minor gripes though and I’m so glad I stuck with this title since its inception. It probably could have managed an extra issue or two, as we never really came to understand the large cast, which quickly dwindles to 3 survivors in #4. However, Stokes and Carvalho have presented a nice package here, and the level of research Stokes must have done has paid off to sell the realism, matching perfectly with Carvalho’s almost-Bryan Hitch level of artistry.

If you want something apart from the capes crowd, check the Station collection out next month. It’s worth reading it all the way through.

November 6, 2008
Categories: Comics, Reviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Review

spider-man-web-of-shadows-black-suitThis will be a short one, as I’ve only just started the game, but it’s not bad. It certainly makes an impression with it’s classy opener, and that’s just introducing the logos from the various companies involved. Then you, as Spidey, are thrown straight into the thick of it, and play catch up throughout the game, eventually making sense of the story. Basically, a bunch of alien symbiotes (the kind that birthed Venom) are running amok in New York. Seeing MJ Watson with a shotgun at the start seems out of character, (but maybe she would go hardcore if her friends are in trouble) as does Spidey later asking the cops, “Where’s MJ?” Not good for the secret identity there, wall-crawler. Unless of course, the game takes place in the brief time after Civil War and before One More Day, where Spider-Man’s secret ID was publicly known.  There are a few cameos, such as Moon Knight, and Luke Cage as your trainer who teaches you some great combos, and baddies like Black Cat and Vulture. Wolverine shows up too and the battle drags on as you have to answer questions to convince him that you aren’t corrupted by the symbiote. You think it would only take 1 or 2 correct answers, but apparently Wolvie likes to fight his mates. There are a few nice fanboy in-jokes, such as the signs scattered around the sprawling city, which is not entirely destructable. You can pick up cars with the black suit, but not lamp posts, or other items.

The fighting system defies the laws of physics, with Spidey flying more than swinging, but it looks great. Even the films don’t have this level of awe as he swings about like an acrobat/contortionist. Being able to flick between the classic red and blue suit and the Venom one is nice, as the latter is stronger and has unique combos, but is slower. Games based on comics are really stepping up to the plate lately, and hopefully they’ll continue to bring fans into the material that inspired them. Brian Reed helped write this, as he did with the also-cool Ultimate Spider-Man game from a few years back, which landed him a career at Marvel.

November 4, 2008
Categories: Games, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Superman/Batman #53 Review

supesbats53rI’ve loved this series since it began with Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness a few years ago. Like any series, it’s had its ups and downs, but there’s something classic about these two characters working together. The last two issues were hilarious, with junior versions of the two heroes, plus a few of their closest friends, and foes. This ish is more serious, thanks to Supes baddie Silver Banshee, who somehow swaps the powers of the two heroes. Michael Green and Mike Johnson start things off well for this new story arc, and Rags Morales (the excellent Identity Crisis) does a fine job of pencilling. The full review can be read here.

November 4, 2008
Categories: Comics, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Z Graphic Novels Reviews

Back at the glory days of Infuze (BTW writer Robin Parrish who started the on-line mag has just updated his site. Check it out) I got a swag of goodies from the fine folks at Zondervan, one of the world’s largest Christian publishers. I only managed to review the first two issues of the awesome Hand of the Morningstar before Infuze went bye bye. That is a great series and there are many more in the great Zondervan Graphic Novels line, which is a black and white series of all-ages books with biblical values. My first review for this unique line is now up at Sight, where I talk about both Morningstar and Timeflyz. Hopefully I can work my way through the remaining first two books of the rest of the titles. Hopefully. Anyway, if you’re looking for faith affirming and entertaining comics for yourself or your kids, check out their books, or groovy website for a better idea.

November 2, 2008
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Dear Dracula and New Krypton Reviews

Both my reviews are up for these, over at Broken Frontier. Dear Dracula is from Image and is strucured more like a comic than a children’s book, but with its great cartoony artwork and story (young Sam writes to Drac instead of Santa) it’s entertaining for parents and kids. There’s not enough books like this out there, so if you’re a fanboy with kids this might be a cool way to introduce them to comics.

The Superman: New Krypton Special #1 one-shot is the kick-off for the New Krypton arc that has earth welcoming 100 000 new Kryptonians, thanks to Superman’s rescue of the city Kandor, from Braniac’s clutches. It’s heartfelt, action packed and the start of something big.

October 27, 2008
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Never Back Down & The Mist Reviews

The comparisons to The Karate Kid, Fight Club and The O.C are obvious ones with the skinny teens surrounded by babes beat-em-up that is Never Back Down. Anyone who grew up loving Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita in The Katate Kid will see many similarities, with a single mother raising an outsider while moving to a new town and quickly getting on the wrong side of the popular jock/bully. It’s not new. It’s just a lot flashier. Character motivations are weak, the ending is way too happy and the statements about the YouTube generation are none too subtle. It starts strong with a rather disturbing portrayal by Cam Gigandet of mixed martial arts champ Ryan McCarthy when he first challenges newbie Tyler to a brawl at a party. Sadly it’s all downhill from there. Lots of training montages, stealing the bully’s girl – that sort of thing. The unusual highlight for me though was the music. Both tobymac and Mute Math, two of my favourite artists both feature, though I’m sure it was their record companies that allowed this, not the artists themselves. Still, hopefully they might find a greater audience through this average film.

The Mist is much better. Starring The Punisher himself (Thomas Jane why aren’t you in the sequel?) it’s an adaptation of a Stephen King novella about a trapped community facing a strange mist, inhabited by stranger creatures. Written and directed by Frank Darabont who also worked with King on The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, this film is a chiller. Highly entertaining, with just enough blood thrown in. It reminded me of Lord of the Flies and Dawn of the Dead, but here the humans are just as scary as the monsters and it has some interesting statements about what fear does to us. Apparently the book had no ending, but the film sure does. And how. It’s an ending you won’t see coming, but the ending after that ending you probably will. Watch it and you’ll see what I mean.

October 26, 2008
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Cyblade #1 Review

Well, at least the covers are attention grabbing – all 3 of them. Mixing elements of Alias (pretty young female spy and her male handler) and X-Man Psylocke (blades of psychic energy) on the surface this seems like yet another seen-it-all-before concept in comics. However, this series was successful enough with the right voters last year in Top Cow’s smart Pilot Season program, enabling its current ongoing series. By the summary page that sets all the newbies up with enough info, its obvious that this book has hints of enough unique twists to distance itself from the concepts mentioned above. In this new storyline (set before her joining superhero team, Cyberforce) that twist involves Cyblade’s orders to kill her handler.

Cyblade is teenager Dominique Thiebaut, an expert sneaky operative working for the Cyberdata Corporation, and is implanted (as are many others) with a Brain Box device that keeps her in, and her awkward teen/professional thief personalities separate, even from herself. Joshua Hale Fialkov may seem an odd choice for writer, considering his odd writing style on the odd Punks series, but he adapts to more standard fare remarkably well. He, along with artist Rick Mays is one of the creators who worked on the original book, so they know what they’re doing with this title. The titular character doesn’t appear much, apart from primarily a shower scene with appropriately placed steam covering all the naughty bits. Mainly it involves her handler, Steven Rashell trying desperately to free the agent (whom I assume he’ll become romantically entangled with eventually) and escaping from all the wrong people. Rick Mays’ art is fine and his pacing works well enough to give the feeling of Rashell’s increasing desperation, and like you’d expect, all the characters look like supermodels. Dominique wigs out in said shower, and her last line is something from Wolverine’s mouth of recent years, ie, “I remember everything.” This, plus the penultimate scene where Rashell is approached by the inventor of the Brain Box to help him destroy it may take this series in an intriguing direction. So far, its not Top Cow’s best effort, but one thing they know how to do is slowly build characters and concepts from seemingly simple concepts centered on powerful pretty ladies.

October 21, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Doomsday and Eagle Eye Reviews

There’s not much to say about either of these films. They’re both…passable. Doomsday is written and directed by Brit Neil Marshall, whose two previous films as director are far better than this. Both Dog Soldiers and The Descent are great genre-twisters with genuine surprises and suspense. Doomsday is like a Michael Bay film without all the pretentiousness and glitz. It does have the Marshall marks of brutal violence, English lead characters, high-speed action and lots of brown, grimy world creating. These were used to great effect in his past films, but here there is nothing truly original. With elements of Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, the recent BBC Robin Hood series and 28 Days Later all thrown in, it screams familiarity. It is entertaining, just not stimulating. There are also some thrilling chases and Rhona Mitra has never seemed like such an impressively scary woman. With it’s plague centred story that brings about the end of the world, sort of, plus two different tribes, an isolated London and the military that turns its back on its people, it just isn’t as intriguing as I’ve come to expect from Marshall. His next film, Drive, is released next year and stars Hugh Jackman as a Hollywood stunt performer who has a contract put on his life. Let’s hope it’s better than Doomsday.

Eagle Eye has the same, “Haven’t I seen all this before?” vibe. If you’ve seen Tony Scott’s (Ridley’s brother) 1998 film Enemy of the State starring Will Smith as a lawyer on the run, then, yes, you sort of have. By the way, watch Tony Scott’s great Brad Pitt/Robert Redford film Spy Game for some genuine drama and action. Anyway, Eagle Eye is directed by D.J Caruso (the far better Disturbia) and involves Shia LeBeouf and Michelle Monaghan running and shouting a lot and being amazed at the tech gone awry that constantly saves their lives while killing everyone else around them. The plot is almost laughable, as is one scene that involves a guy being killed by wayward power lines, and vanishing in a puff of smoke. The simplistic plot involves a computer that gains sentience and wants to rule the world (again, not an original concept). Its voice is female however and seems like 2001’s Hal’s sister. Apart from the, “yeah, right” moments the other annoyance is the extreme close-ups. Billy Bob Thornton has never looked so old and Rosario Dawson has never looked so pale. The usually attractive cast looks quite different here, with every pore and bump and blemish visible. It won’t be so noticeable on DVD of course, but certainly is on the big screen. If you can switch your brain off and accept everything that big budget cinema can throw at you, including cars that explode on the smallest impact, then these two films may be your cup of tea.

October 19, 2008
Categories: Movies, Reviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

BOOM! Reviews

Here are my latest reviews at Broken Frontier, for two titles from BOOM! Studios.

First up, the debut issue of a new series set in the Warhammer fantasy realm, Crown of Destruction, involving rats with canons and weird wizards. Also at BF is my look at the second issue of the creepily effective horror series Necronomicon. This is certainly the better pick and has some great visuals by artist Andrew Ritchie. I got chills, I tell ya. Chills.

If you’re a fan of horror, pick up this issue, even if you don’t have the first one. It’ll still make sense and create a sense of foreboding that will have you hungry for future issues.

October 16, 2008
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Various Batman Reviews

So how would you like your Bat today? Grim and gritty or light hearted and witty? The double edged sword of having multiple titles for popular characters like DC’s Batman and Superman and Marvel’s Spider-Man and Wolverine is that there is an interpretation for everyone. Hardcore fans and unsure parents looking for something kid-friendly can both be satisfied. The danger is that the intent of the character; their core can be compromised. I’m afraid that’s the case with this month’s Batman selection. After having just read Batman Confidential #22, Secret Six #2 and Detective Comics #849 in quick succession I realise that the Dark Knight is not always himself from one title to the next. This is a bad month to make this comparison, as usually different writers can handle the same character/s fine, and here I want to make the point about characters other than Bats, but the difference is certainly noticeable.

Let’s start with Confidential. The premise being that this is a look back at the cowled one’s early days allows me to look at it with some grace. I love Scott McDaniel’s (Nightwing) pencils, and always have, and any return of his to the Bat world is a welcome one. That Ryan Sook cover is great too (with a nice cameo from editor Mike Carlin as the guard), though Joker’s lame Monopoly reference (“Hey! We didn’t pass ‘Go!'”) is indicative of the trouble that lies within. Joker just isn’t himself. He’s more annoying than scary, and with the causing-trouble-from-within-a-cell storyline similar to the Dark Knight film it doesn’t scream originality. TV writer Andrew Kreisberg handles the pacing and plot well enough, but the fact that Joker is more like Superman villain The Prankster, isn’t helping. This is the first part of a new story arc and details the first time Bats bought Joker into Gotham police custody. Great idea right there and hopefully in future issues the maniac we all know and love will truly reveal himself. For now it’s bad banter and unfunny jokes (even a toilet gag!) And how the Joker convinces a stranger to kill herself with his one allowed phone call is almost absurd. However, the fact that he has no fingerprints thanks to his life transforming acid bath makes sense and I’m surprised no-one’s thought of it before, as far as I know. Bats is done well here I must say, with all the seriousness and minimal speech he needs.

Detective Comics, or ‘Tec as it’s also known, is DC’s flagship book effectively, and thankfully it soars high. Another TV writer, Paul Dini tells the penultimate tale of the Batman R.I.P tie-in, Hearts of Hush. This is a great book and has been for a long time. So far, Dini hasn’t put a foot wrong and with his career as a toon and comics writer in the DCU he knows Batman and co. well. Joker is here too, briefly, and more in character, as he cheers when Bats beats Scarecrow in Arkham. Last month’s cliffhanger with Selina Kyle (Catwoman) laid out on an operating table, with her heart out was a real teaser. Here the tale continues as Batman looks for answers and a solution to keep Selina alive, as she barely is for now, with Hush’s machinery. It was a shame to see Catwoman’s series end recently. Her last two issues were great and DC gave her some great arcs. Hopefully she’ll make guest appearances in ‘Tec for a while and then we can have Green Arrow and Black Canary as well as Batman and Catwoman books. Hmm…

Dustin Nguyen is another great Bat artist and has been showing of late that his covers are just as gorgeous, with a touch of Dave McKean influence in this ish. Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite from the JSA drop by too and don’t look out of place in this dark tale, which basically involves lots of running and punching as Bats gets angrier. Hush knows what I’ve always thought; Catwoman is Bruce Wayne’s real love, even if he won’t admit it. Hush is an interesting character and it’s fantastic to see that he’s still being used after Jeph Loeb’s and Jim Lee’s intro of the character from a few years ago. With flashbacks to his wildly different upbringing than Bruce’s and the last few pages which reveal Hush’s true, long reaching plan, this will be a book to keep your eyes on, especially to see how it ties into R.I.P’s conclusion. Grab a sneak peek here.

Lastly, Secret Six #2. Well, we get our first glimpse, of sorts, of last issue’s freak in a box, Bane continues to amuse but still stay barley in character, and Batman and Catman have a chat and a brawl on a rooftop (where all of Batman’s dialogue seems to take place). This is a fun book and shows, along with it’s originator, Villains United, two things: 1. That Gail Simone can create an original title that the DCU really needs and 2. Penciller Nicola Scott is sure to have a bright future. The Bat and Cat discussion is basically two guys sticking their chests out, but does seem oddly disjointed in their last page together. However even with their discussion of Batman’s breakfast choices, Simone still shows that Bats is a character with a big enough heart and mind to compliment his fists. He knows what’s going on, and wants everyone to know it.

The other highlight of this month is Action Comics #870, the fantastic Braniac finale. Yes, DC leaked Jonathan Kent’s death to the mainstream media first (as did Marvel with Cap’s death almost two years ago) but if it brings people to the LCS, then it has my support. I always liked Superman’s earthly parents. They fit in well, though Pa hasn’t lasted long on film and TV so it really only affects the comics readers. Who knows, he may come back, but it wouldn’t really work as he’s not a superhero or villain. It’s a great book nonetheless, with golden boy Geoff Johns and the graceful pencils of Gary Frank adding much emotional depth to this story.

October 11, 2008
Categories: Comics, Reviews . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Pulp Tales Review

Anthology tales are usually a hit and miss affair. Creators have the danger of trying different styles, or dusting out a random story from the bottom of their desk drawer. These may work, but that’s not always the case. Unfortunately brevity is not something a lot of current writers are skilled in, whereas their web-comic cousins are skilled indeed at using less than 22 pages to tell an enchanting story.

Saying all that, the new one-shot Pulp Tales, from BOOM! Studios thankfully works. Of course, just like any comic grab bag, you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get and the short tales contained within have to cross as many genres as possible, so readers will find at least one story they adore. This issue comes with two covers, from Ben Templesmith and Josh Medors (Fused, 30 Days of Night.) The latter version is a slightly higher price, but that’s a good thing, as this is a benefit book for Medors who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and ALL proceeds will go to supporting him and his family.

The first tale, Bluejacket is written by 76’s B.Clay Moore and Seth Peck, with art by Chris Samnee. It shows a paranormal team as they fight a werejaguar and welcome Dr. Nicole Shaw to their ranks, as the first woman in Bluejacket’s 75 year history. It combines elements of The X-Files and Doc Savage, with a pinch of Hellboy’s B.P.R.D thrown in for good measure. And it all works. The team consists of the requesite strongman, nerd, adventurer and Dr. Shaw, the token female. Not a panel is wasted creating a glimpse of this world, and it reeks (in a good way) of good old fashioned heroism, when baddies were beaten with fists and dames were kissed hard on the lips.

Joshua Fialkov (the madcap P.U.N.K.S) with glorious old-school art by Andy B, craft an obvious Lone Ranger homage with their story about Newt Lawman and Running Bear as they make a stand against some angry Apaches. The standout here is the art. Reminiscent of Mike Allred, it’s all grand gestures in technicolour. I’d love top see more of this guy.

The Crescent Flame by Kody Chamberlain (also from P.U.N.K.S) is set in New Orleans in 1952. A young man by the name of Harry managed to capture a photo of The Crescent Flame’s latest heroic act and now has to face the consequences. More like an illustrated prose piece told in third person, in the style of an old radio serial, it’s a nice departure from the rest of the more traditional stories before it. Rendered in blue for exteriors, and red for the dark room scenes, it’s also an effective showcase of moody colouring.

Tony Fleecs tells the story of overweight gumshoe Crash Winters in typical pulp fashion. On the trail of deceased movie star Susan Stevens he fumbles his way to a secret and a cute cliffhanger, in the most cartoony fashion in the book.

Limbo’s Assassin follows brutal enforcer Carl Henderson and is the most pulp-ish story here. A prose piece with black and white illustrations by Sarah Wilkinson, there is also a mysterious (though not for long) girl, lots of shooting goons and blood loss. All this means its tailor made for fans of Sin City, but with a supernatural twist. Some may be tempted to skip through all the text, but stick with it. It’s worth it.

Each one of these tales is presented like a random selection from a world that’s been established for some time, but that’s not a distraction. They all have enough charm and diversity to be entertaining in the few pages they’re allowed. Pulp Tales is also a great example of the numerous writing and art styles inherent in today’s indie stars. Each creator brings an approach blatantly differently from the others, yet they also lovingly play with the conventions of classic pulp and superhero tales. Be entertained and maybe discover a new fave creator and you’ll feel good at the same time by supporting a young artist in a time of need. The 24 pager goes on sale on October 8.

October 6, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Kirkman and Marz at the Station

In my continuing effort of shameless promotion, here is my article about Walking Dead & Invincible creator Robert Kirkman’s recent plea for creator-owned properties, and my interview with legendary writer Ron Marz about his groovy new series Dragon Prince. There’s also my review of Station #3, BOOM!’s excellent thriller in a space station title.

October 5, 2008
Categories: Comics, Interviews, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Zero-G #1 Review

I know this book has been getting its praise, from the likes of Stan Lee (in his typically enthusiastic way) and Steve Niles, but I can only assume they’ve been privy to all of the issues. I’m not saying this is a bad book. Far from it. It’s just that this opening salvo is not entirely original, but a firm foundation is certainly there so I can only hope that it continues to build upon this issue to create a fully immersive sci-fi tale.

Produced by Top Cow and Spacedog Entertainment, Zero-G is written by Alex Zamm, with art by Jason Badower. This is undoubtedly their biggest book to date and could be a great launching point for long lasting careers if this series takes off. It’s a suitable showcase for the talents of both men.

It begins with NASA geologist Atom Weaver’s discovery of a rock. A big, valuable rock. Or asteroid, rather. One named Z-1492. If it was up to me, I’d name asteroids after people, like hurricanes, instead of numbering them, but anyway. Good old Z-1492 is on a course for earth, or at least close enough to it, and because of this a unique window of opportunity is present to examine its rich mineral deposits. So full of natural resources is the humongous rock that it could effectively cause a shift in the balance of power for whoever manages to mine it first. The US government try and keep this to themselves, but good news travels fast and soon the race is on between nations, corporations, and moguls like billionaire Bill Barron, to make the most of this rare chance at worldly wealth.

Atom agrees to 17 months of training against his better judgement to be a part of the 9 man crew sent from NASA to claim its stake, and he soon regrets it. The team arrive to find the Chinese have beaten them to it, but that still doesn’t explain the presence of caves, which upon further investigation leads them to the discovery of the asteroid’s original miners. And they’re not human. However the crew don’t seem taken aback at all upon witnessing what I assume is humanity’s first encounter with extra-terrestrials.

With a tale that is part Armageddon and part Aliens surprises are few and far between. By issue’s end, one crew member is dead, and the team’s ship has been mysteriously sabotaged, leaving them stranded. Sci-fi fans will see those twists coming a mile away, but keeping in mind that this is the set-up issue, more genuine surprises must be on their way over the next few installments. There is certainly enough here to make an interesting story, but one that will undoubtedly pay off in the coming months.

Badower’s art has a subtle Steve McNiven flavour to it, using few lines but much realism. It fits well and the costume design and facial expressions are diverse enough to easily keep track of the large cast. However, if you’re still stuck, the last few pages of this 36 pager include a handy guide. Annette Kwok’s colours are pitch perfect from earth to space, and she manages to make Badower’s pencils even more majestic on the asteroid setting. It’s a mighty fine looking hunk of drifting minerals and looks like a scary alien place to be, as I’m sure the cast will discover in the next three issues.

October 1, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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