Action Lab Entertainment 2016
Written by Dino Caruso
Illustrated by Chad Cicconi
Coloured by Francesca Zambon
Lettered by Adam Wollett
Following a great resource war on Earth, a group of disillusioned human colonists seek refuge on a desolate planet in a remote binary star system. They plan to build a utopia, but when the yellow sun sets leaving only a blue sun above, a deep indigo shadow covers the colony. Local alien legend says the "Blue Hour" will spell evil and ruin for all who venture out of shelter. Can the colonists overcome this harsh environment and their own human nature to survive the "Blue Hour?"
This is a very nice introduction issue. We open up meeting a man named Wardell (I’m sure this wasn’t intentional but first thing that came to my mind was Beau Bridges character from Sordid Lives) in a bar where he’s supposed to be dealing with rowdy locals, he’s a bouncer. Gotta say it’s not the kind of characterization you’ll expect and I like that about this because it doesn’t seem formulaic in nature when trying to establish a character. So kudos to Dino for that it’s a very nice move.
We also meet Lamont. He’s a a interesting character himself and boy he sure does like to use words. That he’s instantly one of “those”, by that I mean uses larger words and diatribe to get his point across, kinds of men is both fascinating and almost cause for alarm. Part of me wants to scream politician the other thinks he’s elevated himself to a station in life and he likes to very much act the part of a man he wasn’t always. Either way it’s very good dialogue and honestly it’s extremely fun to see in action.
It doesn’t take long before we move a year into the future and we meet the folks that Lamont has been working with on a deal. Again Lamonts smooth talking nature is on full display and it does make you stop and think about what’s happening and what’s what. Any time that the writing can make you pause and think about implications of the dialogue you know you’re in a good story. So welcome to the place and time a historic is reached as man is allowed to create a settlement on a foreign planet alongside its indigenous population.
Chad’s got some really nice work happening on the interiors here. I like the characters he creates and brings to life. The aliens that they’ll be living on the planet with have a nice creative look and feel to them, one that while at first is non-threatening could later change depending on the story. I like seeing his imagination on display here and introducing us to a new planet and beings. The flow through the pages and panels through angles and perspective are nice captured. The use of backgrounds could be more for me but for this series they are used when needed and well done.
Can humans and aliens exist on another planet side by side harmoniously? We’ll find out as the story progresses but it’s safe to say that changing human behaviour is hard enough but what about those who feel they are invading their planet? I’m excited for this as it’s a different kind of science fiction story and so far it’s off to a smashing start!