IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Cullen Bunn
Breakdowns by David Baldeon
Finishes by Fico Ossio, Max Dunbar, Jack Lawrence & David Baldeon
Coloured by David Garcia Cruz, Joana Lafuente, Thomas Deer & John-Paul Bove
Lettered by Tom B. Long
It’s hard to believe I was nine when the Micronauts were first introduced to the world. With this being volume 5, I think, of the comics series to have been introduced it’s also the first issue i’ve ever read. For someone completely unfamiliar with any of the characters, the world they inhabit and all that jazz I gotta say i’m pretty impressed. This was easy to get into and enjoy, then again Cullen is pretty much able to write anything and i’m guaranteed to like it. There’s a lot going on here and plenty thrown at the readers so you wonder what’s happening while assuring that you’ll be back to find out.
Right off the bat we’re presented with a threat that could very well destroy this universe and everything in it but for now it’s like on the outskirts or at least taken with a grain of salt. The second part of the issue delves into that and I find it both odd and interesting that the characters while aware of it and understand it may be unstoppable are treating as nonchalantly as they are. Either way it is a rather intriguing turn of events.
So the main characters, i’m going to assume from the back of the issue detailing notes on them and character sketches, once they are introduced move the story along rather quickly. I have to say i’m kind happy and a little mystified by it too. I like that they are hired to do another job for someone who insists one of his own accompany them, making me think them more like salvaging mercenary types which kind of thrills me. This alone mixes up their normal working operations as well and it’ll be interesting to see how they all react to that.
There’s an almost illegal sense about what they do and yet i’m completely sure. I’m really liking that we aren’t getting more of this instant gratification stuff anymore. It’s about time stories drew you in what was going on and took their time revealing more and more about them, what they do and the like. It just makes me want to stick around longer, and no i’m not googling it or reading previews months out to know what’s going on that’s spoiler annoying to me.
We get to see a bad guy and his wife and the characterization there is pretty strong as well. I like her she’s a piece of work alright but her husband well he’s smarter than he looks that’s for sure. It’ll be interesting to see if he falls for her goading or sticks to his guns.
There are a lot of folks responsible for the interior artwork here and I gotta say it doesn’t feel like it. The story flows very smoothly and it has a very nice consistency to it. I like the attention to detail throughout whether it’s an “alien” or the clothes, the mechanical aspects you name it. These fine folks really brought out the best in each other to make a complete book full of life, zest and adrenaline pumping action.
Smart engaging storytelling with solid characters/characterization alongside a mystery and action/adventure woven in make this more than a solid introduction to the series.