Zenescope Entertainment 2015
Written by Joe Brusha
Illustrated by Vincenzo Riccardi
Coloured by Grostieta
After their emergency landing, the alien crew emerges on Earth and assesses the damage. They’ll need to locate and repair the transmitter dish which landed across the city if they’ll have any hope of initiating the cure on Earth. But the team of aliens must first convince a group of human criminals to help them out.
This story is pretty much on target with what I like to think of as the new Zenescope direction. Gone is the frat boy mentality of near naked babes and instead we get this intelligent, fun and thrilling story that mixes horror and science fiction in a great way. Each issue has progressed nicely as the characterization and plot advancement have been nicely defined. Joe’s showing his maturity as a writer here and it really is good to see.
Captain Nova and Colt seem to have a budding friendship and mutual respect for one another and that’s a nice thing considering the band he was with when they encountered each other. Still their conversation is great for many reasons among them is hearing Nova talk about what she knows of the virus and how it affected her life. Colt on the other hand is trying to process a lot of information quickly, space virus, zombies and aliens and by his own admission it’s hard to do. I like that because he’s human and this isn’t well this is what’s happening let’s go it’s okay i’m freaked out but dealing. I’d like to think i’d be doing the same thing.
Splitting up the alien team to do three things while somewhat smart is also dangerous as the only Colt and Melissa are going out. This leaves the rest of the criminal element together and that just smells like a disaster waiting to happen. Should’ve had at least two accompany Balgar and Tak to the ship to help them salvage this way their forces would be more equal and a little greedy coup in the midst of a zombie apocalypse wouldn’t happen.
I’m not sure what the brief interlude of seeing Tammy on the ship served. Yes she’s still alive and being chased by human zombies but it doesn’t really seem to add anything to the story at this time. I’d rather have spent more time seeing the teams in action, granted it’s only two pages but that’s more action we could’ve seen.
I’m a little surprised that Cromm gave in so easily when it’s only three against one. Though the security guard could’ve stepped up and made it three on two which is much more favourable odds. Thinking of the woman and the little girl’s safety I guess but doesn’t about it doesn’t ring right. Oh well what’s done is done and it was pretty expected.
So what’s a little this and that when you are surrounded by zombies? I find it kind of funny that Tavon is choosing this particular time to enact his plan, use the little girl and try to steal alien technology. I mean if they don’t succeed who’s he going to try to sell it to? Not the brightest crayon in the box that’s for sure.
Well next issue it seems it’s going to be all out action as Tak and Balgar have to take out Tavon and his men while we see what Nova, Colt, Raxus and Melissa can do against the horde of zombies surrounding them! It’s good science fiction/horror fun. Enjoyable and an easy read with some very good interior artwork.