Planetoid #1Story/Art: Ken Garing
The Solicitation
Silas, an ex-soldier turned space pirate, finds himself stranded on a mysterious planet in alien territory. As he explores the long-abandoned industrial ruins of the planet's surface he will have to fend off rogue mechanical creatures, roving cyborg militias, and a hostile alien military with a bounty on his head. Silas will have to rely on resourcefulness and bare-bones survival tactics in order to stay alive and ultimately unlock the secrets of a planet where survival is a luxury and escape an impossibility.
Preview
Why I Bought It
Space pirate crashes on a deserted planet. I figure the concept works well with Prophet, why not give this one a try?
What I Liked
I liked it, but it just seems like a gentle re-hashing of stuff I have already seen. Mind you, if this is something new to you, it does put off a nice vibe. It hits all the notes that it should for a first issue: character origin, nice, clear artwork, and lets you know a little more about what to expect from the book.
The art stands out for me more than the story. It can sometimes be difficult to pull off muddy, dark colors and still have everything be clear and understandable with the story. The art shines as it goes beyond this stereotype. Rusty metal and seas of mud are distinctive. Characters look like people. Wider shots look just as clear and detailed as close up shots.
Not knowing much about Ken Garing, I would say that he is probably an artist first and a writer second. But there is a good eye here, and I like how it looks.
What I Didn't Like
The thing for me was the writing. After reading Prophet and how excellent and out there sci-fi it is, going to this book right after just seems like a faint echo of what it could be. The story does come together better than other writer/artist, and I can see how if this is your first introduction to the character and you haven't read Prophet, then this will look good.
Panel to Remember
There is a full page devoted to a machine snake coming out of the muddy waters. The hero, Silas, is on a ledge over the mud. The background shows desolate, metallic skeletons of ruins. It works well, and if you don't like that panel, then this comic may not be for you.
Quotable
"...a filtration mask is recommended." - Ricter, a computer program that just told Silas the air contained some heavy metals right after Silas coughed up a lung.
Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I'd give it another go if my shop has it.
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