Aspen Comics 2017
Written by Mark Roslan
Illustrated by Angel Tovar
Coloured by Federico Blee
Lettered by Zen
The team reluctantly broke into the heavily guarded Armorcorp and managed to steal the secret server containing the override codes for the cities security bots, but fell right into Arturo’s trap set by Sir Percy. Yet, the biggest shock for the team cam in the return of Asher’s father, Theon, who arrived to reclaim his son. However, Asher denied his father’s overtures in loyalty to the crew causing all hell to break loose.
Well now things are just getting plain old crazy up in this mug! I will admit however that what Mark is doing here is pretty spectacular. I mean end one fight get us into a moral dilemma kind of situation flesh out the story and plots then whammo end with an action that is going to rock the foundation of one character and the entire team. I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss anything in that assessment and wow it really does make a lasting impression.
I’m extremely impressed with how Mark is able to weave both the backstory and the story elements with the action sequences. We need both for a successful story and the fact that the transitions are so seamless and flow the way they do showcase a nice maturity in storytelling. You almost don’t even notice the difference in when the action slows down and the pure story elements begin. This for me has what it takes to keep making a mainstay staple in my reading every time an arc comes out.
The interior artwork here is pretty spectacular as well. I love that it feels anime inspired and that I see so much of favourite franchises in it. It also possess the attention to detail that is needed to rise above the standards set down by others. The use of page layouts through their angles, perspective and the utilisation of backgrounds here really makes the story pop and flow smoothly. From the muted colours of the backgrounds to the splash of brightness at times really help the eye know where to go.
I cannot stress the fact enough that all of you who grumble about the quality of what is on stands today from the usual suspects should be finding this one. It’s got everything you want in a book, a team with individuals who work together to make a family. It’s got outrageous situations that seem far too fantastic to be realistic and yet within the realm of this world seem almost tame. The use of strategy and outthinking opponents to survive to fight another day. The list goes on and on and there’s no discernible end in sight which exactly what we want to see.
While I wonder where this fits into Aspen’s new world order i’m not gonna hold my breath waiting to find out. Instead i’ll just sit back, relax and enjoy the heck out of what we’re seeing and waiting for next issue where we can see the outcome/aftermath of the events that closed out this issue.