Actionverse #5 Featuring Stray
Action Lab Entertainment 2017
Written by Vito Delsante
Layouts by Steve Walker
Finishes by Ares Taveras
Coloured by Wilson Ramos Jr.
Lettered by Full Court Press
New York City is in the throes of a huge riot. On one side, the citizens, angry at police for killing an innocent boy. On the other side, the NYPD, angry at the citizens for killing the cop responsible for the boy’s death. In the middle of it all, a group of non-Pax Mundi sponsored heroes and member of the Teenaegis, trying to keep the city together. Meanhile, Stray, Orion (the former Quarrel) and Midnight Tiger race to the scene of the strife hoping to stop Ingenue and the aliens known as the Mujonah, or The Intolerance, before another Titanodei is killed.
Vito has introduced us to a wide variety of new characters by different creators, all used with permission of course and to see who all are it’s at the back end of the story, and it’s perfectly wonderful to see. I like the inclusion into this universe these new characters to introduce readers to even more indie creators. Also I like that they are a kind of diversionary tactic that Stray is taking full advantage of while he, Orion and Midnight Tiger are going elsewhere.
There are a number of things happening here and among them are the bonds of friendship, Stray’s personality including anger and quality detective work and the beginning of a harder look into Pax Mundi. All of these weave throughout the story and showcase some stellar characterisation and in raising questions about actions and reasons which of course drive the story forward. Vito’s writing here just keeps getting stronger and stronger and it’s so nice to see him write this in a way that feels familiar, right and intriguing.
So when the boys do enter the fray things get even more complicated than anyone was imagining it could be. The Mujonah are there using either this distorter technology or shape-shifting ability to blend in and further engage and keep both sides angry. It is a smart ploy if you think about it and while they are keeping the crowd focused on one another then our villainess is getting away with her strike scott free. Diversions, manipulation and divide and conquer I love seeing this kind of plan in action while the heroes are busy playing catch-up unable to see the bigger picture.
Love the quality of the interior artwork here. The sharp solid linework is fantastically done and then to finish it with shading of colours so that the lighting is constant and noticeable from the same source. The way page layouts are done and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off Steve’s eye for storytelling. Also the utilisation of backgrounds here makes this fanboy happy as can be. Visually this is exactly what it needs to be and ranks up there with the best superhero books out there.
Speaking of it being a superhero book the fact that this is a protege’s all grown up it has all the right notes and feels for what fans crave. I mean it’s about time we get to see a series or at least an arc that represents the most beloved style of superhero books. I also like that Vito throws not only some shade into the story, Pax-Mundi, but also opens up a new possible avenue of aid and friendship if he can get past his idea of betrayal at every turn. While Marvel and DC constantly revamp what they have Vito and company have very quietly built one in the middle expanding the past, present and future in ways that show not only promise but with a much better focus.
Action Lab Entertainment 2017
Written by Vito Delsante
Layouts by Steve Walker
Finishes by Ares Taveras
Coloured by Wilson Ramos Jr.
Lettered by Full Court Press
New York City is in the throes of a huge riot. On one side, the citizens, angry at police for killing an innocent boy. On the other side, the NYPD, angry at the citizens for killing the cop responsible for the boy’s death. In the middle of it all, a group of non-Pax Mundi sponsored heroes and member of the Teenaegis, trying to keep the city together. Meanhile, Stray, Orion (the former Quarrel) and Midnight Tiger race to the scene of the strife hoping to stop Ingenue and the aliens known as the Mujonah, or The Intolerance, before another Titanodei is killed.
Vito has introduced us to a wide variety of new characters by different creators, all used with permission of course and to see who all are it’s at the back end of the story, and it’s perfectly wonderful to see. I like the inclusion into this universe these new characters to introduce readers to even more indie creators. Also I like that they are a kind of diversionary tactic that Stray is taking full advantage of while he, Orion and Midnight Tiger are going elsewhere.
There are a number of things happening here and among them are the bonds of friendship, Stray’s personality including anger and quality detective work and the beginning of a harder look into Pax Mundi. All of these weave throughout the story and showcase some stellar characterisation and in raising questions about actions and reasons which of course drive the story forward. Vito’s writing here just keeps getting stronger and stronger and it’s so nice to see him write this in a way that feels familiar, right and intriguing.
So when the boys do enter the fray things get even more complicated than anyone was imagining it could be. The Mujonah are there using either this distorter technology or shape-shifting ability to blend in and further engage and keep both sides angry. It is a smart ploy if you think about it and while they are keeping the crowd focused on one another then our villainess is getting away with her strike scott free. Diversions, manipulation and divide and conquer I love seeing this kind of plan in action while the heroes are busy playing catch-up unable to see the bigger picture.
Love the quality of the interior artwork here. The sharp solid linework is fantastically done and then to finish it with shading of colours so that the lighting is constant and noticeable from the same source. The way page layouts are done and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off Steve’s eye for storytelling. Also the utilisation of backgrounds here makes this fanboy happy as can be. Visually this is exactly what it needs to be and ranks up there with the best superhero books out there.
Speaking of it being a superhero book the fact that this is a protege’s all grown up it has all the right notes and feels for what fans crave. I mean it’s about time we get to see a series or at least an arc that represents the most beloved style of superhero books. I also like that Vito throws not only some shade into the story, Pax-Mundi, but also opens up a new possible avenue of aid and friendship if he can get past his idea of betrayal at every turn. While Marvel and DC constantly revamp what they have Vito and company have very quietly built one in the middle expanding the past, present and future in ways that show not only promise but with a much better focus.
RSS Feed
