I had assumed by the military images and the fact that this book was published by Devil's Due that it was a G.I.Joe spinoff of some sort, but soon discovered it's an original, unconnected property. The premise is a solid one, combining the war genre with a pulp-adventure riff and a fantasy quest. Unfortunately, that blend of genres doesn't make for the most original feeling. As I read this story, I felt as though I'd seen it all before -- the characters, the impossible action sequences, the mysticism. Furthermore, the plot was pretty transparent, and the art makes it difficult to distinguish among the characters. Still, there's no denying the book has a strong sense of personality and fun.
A squad of military misfits is cobbled together in 1942 for a special assignment. Hitler's forces have managed to take the advantage in the war thanks to their discovery and use of mystical artifacts, and the soldiers of the Allies' lost squad are tasked with retrieving artifacts as well in order to fight fire with fire. They manage to snatch the Second Seal of the Apocalypse from the Nazis in a daring ambush, but the next challenge is to escaped with it unscathed... and with the seal intact.
Robinson's style reminds me of Paco Medina's work on Keith Giffen's short-lived Suicid Squad revival. The hectic pace made for some unclear action sequences in that book, and the same holds true here. It's difficult to tell the characters apart. Part of the problem stesm from the fact that the art doesn't seem to account that it is without the benefit of color. Another is that some Lost Squad members just look too much alike. Robinson's work also boasts a lighter influence that puts me in mind of Evan (Milk and Cheese) Dorkin's irreverent art, and I appreciated that lightness.
The script doesn't help to identify the characters much either. Again, the hectic pace and the need to include a lot of exposition doesn't leave a lot of room for us to get to know the characters. Apparently, there are also two -- count 'em, two -- wacky, rogue leaders involved with this band of brothers, and that adds to the confusion.
Kirby is clearly inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark and its sequels. The tone and pacing of the action is similar, as is the notion of trying to keep legendary artifacts out of the hands of the Nazis. It's definitely a fun combination, but the material also comes off as a derivative as a result. If anything, the creators are too successful when it comes to showing us their influences and inspiration. 5/10
