American Gothic Press 2016
Based on the Unproduced Teleplay by Carey Wilber
Adapted & Edited by Holly Interlandi
Illustrated by Kostas Pantoulas
Coloured by Patrick McEvoy
Lettered by Marshall Dillon
Well I have to admit that I’m only familiar with the series through reruns on MeTV. Yes I had heard of it and it was something more popular with my parents and yes that movie which I think might have been a mistake but the idea behind them remains some of the most iconic throughout literature. That this is adapted from unproduced episodes and would be akin to the next season of the series holds great appeal for me. I think that the comics medium is the best and most logical place to keep this franchise alive.
For those who aren’t as familiar with the series or the characters have no worries it’s an easy story to follow and as far as introductions go I think this is one of those that actually will garner more interest in the series. I think that this starts off focusing on the boys, sans Dr. Smith, is a great way to get the ball rolling. With not too many people to focus on it allows for great characterization.
After reading this issue i’m really excited by the promise of what’s to come. I think there’s so much left unexplored in this universe for these characters. The way this unfolds with an unknown species and the trio finding themselves being watched and possibly under attack leaves so much room that we’ve no real idea what’s next. Though the inevitable meeting and confrontation between them but how that goes down should be interesting to see.
Suspend disbelief, that the worlds they visit all have breathable atmospheres and that they’ve got the robot who doesn’t look far enough advanced for people doing space travel and you can enjoy the mix of kitsch and thrills that made science fiction so popular. Man’s desire to explore the vast unknown of space is a constant in our reading and the species both good and evil encountered test man’s resolve. This may not be the biggest, best or brightest but it certainly has it’s charm.
The interior artwork here is perfectly suited for this series. With great resemblances to the actors and enough imagination on display to make it so much more than it was. The pages and panel usage are splendid and the flow of the story feels very storyboard for television guidance. This really does hit the mark for me it’s real without being too real.
The Swiss Family Robinson of space is back and it’s incredibly delightful. This is the kind of book that revives a franchise and expands it in the best of ways.