Action Lab Danger Zone 2017
Release Date 02/01/17
Written by Dave Dwonch
Illustrated by Arturo Mesa & Geraldo Filho
For centuries, a secret world government has employed the Infinite Seven, the world’s greatest assassins to do their dirty work. The only way to become one of their members is to prove your worth by killing one of their members. But what happens when Anthony Zane, a teenage boy from the suburbs does just that?
Alright first I like Dave and his writing and it’s always exciting when he’s at the helm of a new series. I got news for ya too this doesn’t disappoint either. The premise is solid and while we start off with the present we quickly go back to how Anthony got to that point. The opening itself kind of gives us what this is going to be like, filled with action, comedy and adventure. Also it clearly paints Anthony as a fish out water among his new peers which has some unlimited potential for great storytelling.
Going back we get a chance to know the man that Anthony is replacing. I do hope that there will be more flashbacks with him in it because in his own way he’s this fascinating character study in deniability and delusion.
So a lot of this issue switches back and forth between the two and it’s so much fun to see. I mean the characterisation here is dynamite as we get to know both man and boy throughout the story. Because this isn’t out for a month i’m not about to go into any details here just suffice it to say that this really is kind of like a young man’s dream come true. I mean seriously say you are high school aged, a geek/nerd with few friends and no hope with girls, or guys depending, and then suddenly your world is turned upside down by something way beyond your control.
I like the interior artwork here. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and how backgrounds are utilised are great. There’s this great balance between Anthony and his normal life and this whole Escape from New York vibe going on that really works for me. We get great use of facial expressions and body language here that really goes that extra mile in helping with the characterisation.
Seriously the dialogue throughout cannot be beat. There are some great zingers or one liners here that will make you laugh out loud. Scenarios that will bring a smile to your face make you appreciate the writer’s skills and bring a new meaning to be careful what you wish for. This has what it takes to be a breakout book for 2017 so order before the cutoff date on January 9th and make sure a copy is reserved for you!