Spoiler Warning:
So it’s finally here! The main event! Bad Planet isn’t a
dream anymore. I wont be waking up in the middle of the night, sweating
and mouthing ‘Bad Planet- Raw Studios – December 2005’
over and over before my girlfriend has to suffocate me with a pillow.
She’s really understanding about it all though. Don’t worry.
This is the first ‘RAW’ project we’ve seen so far. It
was slightly worrying that Steve was collaborating with Thomas Jane (Y’know…he
recently played the Punisher, and he was the guy who kept falling over
in Deep Blue Sea). I had no real basis or reason to be worried; I had
absolutely no idea if Jane could write. I also had no idea how well the
two would gel on this project. Would it be a disaster?
Yes, it’s fucking awful.
Just kidding, it’s absolutely brilliant! Get on board with this
book now, if you can. If there was ever a perfect set-up issue for a series,
this is it.
The series starts in deep space, with two alien freight-haulers pulling
a giant mass behind their ship. This is a nice introduction to some of
the alien species we will encounter in future issues. It also sets the
tone of the book. We know it will be brutal and violent, but we’ll
have a chuckle here and there too. Disaster strikes when the connection
between the mysterious asteroid-like mass is severed. The asteroid whirs
through space, on collision course with a small blue planet. Can you guess
which planet it is?
This all takes place in the first few pages of the book, and for the rest
of the time we see the reactions of Earth’s inhabitants as they
become increasingly aware of the threat. Without revealing too much, we
see the contents of the mass as it enters our atmosphere, and the threat
contained within is truly horrible.
As I’ve said, this is a setup issue. What I’ve described so
far really is all that happens. Those expecting to see the giant axe-wielding
alien from the cover will be disappointed, he doesn’t make even
so much as a cameo. Y’know what though? It doesn’t matter;
the relationships between the humans as they deal with the ever-approaching
threat from the asteroid are as entertaining as any battle.
Okay maybe not, but it’s a really good read.
The art is some of the best you’ll see in a comic book this year.
This is not hype; this is truth! Believe!
Larosa’s detailed pencils, coupled with Bradstreet’s inks
create a real atmosphere for the book. The design of the aliens and their
crafts are inspired. The detail in some sections is incredible. Also,
when I die, I want Grant Goleash to colour my tombstone. The man is a
spectacular colourist. I don’t know how he’s managed to bring
more life to the art, but he’s managed it. Brilliant use of colour
throughout, it’s truly beautiful.
Finally, complete and utter MAD-PROPS to my man Jason Hanley. This is
the letterer to watch for kids (if that’s your thing, which sadly
isn’t true for a lot of people). Spot on lettering from the Canadian
werewolf that is Jaco.
The collaboration is a success. Raw Studios have a fine product and a
great first issue. Issue two can’t come quick enough.
Grade: A
Now, I know I promised 3 reviews (if you read my forum). I was supposed
to get Nile’s third book this week; FUSED TALES, but my kindly shop
owner did not order it. So he’s dissolving in the bath right now.
So it’ll have to wait for next week.
I know, I know…I could have bought another book and reviewed that.
However, I was so heartbroken and teary-eyed that I had to leave the store
with the manager’s corpse in tow. Apologies again folks!
In fact, fuck it, I don’t need to apologise to the likes of you!
Now I’m off to read the several emails calling me a ‘brown
nosing- ass kissing bastard’ for saying I liked Niles’ work.
Talk about It came from GAV! Bad Planet #1 here. |
