This is an interesting -- and wallet-friendly -- debut for a fun science-fiction anthology, and I hope its Free Comic Book Day debut earns it some well-deserved attention. The talent behind these stories isn't high-profile, but the writers are experienced mainstays of the industry. Conversely, the book also introduces comics readers to some new names in terms of artists, and their efforts here impress. Furthermore, even though this is a sci-fi themed book, there's a nice diversity to be found in the three stories and the art styles, so there should be something to appeal to most readers.
In a far-flung future, a search-and-destroy named with adaptive abilities named Syn carries out its mission... to wipe out any trace of organic life -- and more importantly, human life -- in a robotic society. Elsewhere, a young, would-be hero is charged with a strange mission: he has to talk a bomb out of detonating. And in a post-apocalyptic landscape, in the western United States, the ideals of the Old West have arisen anew, and the most dangerous man to be found in this dark, arid future is a gunslinger by the name of Lone.
My favorite segment in the book was Keith Giffen and Greg Titus's "Syn." The first-person narrative really drew one into the story and the unusual protagonist's world. Most impressive was the artwork, though. Titus's style reminds me of that of Jason (Body Bags) Pearson. The thick-lined designs for the robot characters is really striking, and they reflect the harsh characteristics of the setting and premise.
"Go Boy 7" boasts a stronger manga influence, visually speaking. Sommariva's artwork strikes me as a cross between Pop (SpyBoy) Mahn and Humberto (Out There) Ramos. It's energetic and light, but the over-the-top, exaggerated quality in his linework isn't really my cup o' tea. The overall tone of the property reminds me of the kind of thing one might have seen from the late Jack Kirby with a strong manga influence. Peyer's script is bogged down by a hefty -- but necessary -- dose of exposition, which is too bad, because the core plot here is strong but unfortunately glossed over pretty quickly.
Simply put, Lone is a lot like Garth Ennis's Just a Pilgrim... but without the religion and insanity. Moore offers up some fun post-apocalyptic action in this book. I'm reminded a little of DC's Hex series from the 1980s. Opena's gritty style suits the desert setting, and his style puts one in mind of the work of Adam Pollina and Whilce Portacio. The simple, dark design for the main character works well, and there seems to be plenty of potential in the premise. And hey, when a story's got a robot redneck, what's not to like?
