Dual Review: Indestructible #1

Unlike a group review, in a “Dual Review” two writers (in this case Erik and Dustin) will take a look at the issue and give a numeric score for the issue. Since we’ve covered Indestructible on the site previously I’m going to refer you to this interview with Darby Pop EIC David Wohl and in the meantime we can just right into the reviews! Erik:

Having superpowers would be the coolest thing in the world. I wouldn’t be a fan of comic books if I didn’t believe this wholeheartedly. Think about it, most people got into comics at a young age and were instantly attracted to stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Of course we’ve grown up and have found other kinds of stories that interest us. I don’t really read superhero comics anymore, but they will always be, undoubtedly, what got me into reading in the first place. But I digress. I couldn’t even begin to understand what it would be like to receive the kind of attention that having powers would attract. But what if you were getting that kind of attention, but for all the wrong reasons? What if something happened that made people believe that you had powers, but you didn’t? Would you embrace the celebrity and try to enjoy your time in the sun, or would you be honest? And in saying that, what if the attention was negative? What if these fake powers made you something that you’ve never been before? Responsible.

By reading George R. R. Martin’s quote on the cover, I was expecting a “laugh out-loud” kind of story. I didn’t find it that funny, but I was extremely interested by the subject matter. I have to give it to Darby Pop and IDW for bringing something completely original (in my opinion) to the comic book universe. I have to admit that I was a little sideswiped by the whole thing. I do want to clear something up though. Like I said before, I didn’t think that Indestructible #1 was that funny, but the entire situation was extremely quirky. I can definitely foresee some pretty ridiculous stuff happening in the coming months. We already get to see at least one positive thing happen to our main character. Unfortunately, it gets semi-interrupted, but he’ll probably admit that he can die happy now. Isn’t that all anyone wants?

This issue’s main focus is on Gregory, the accidental superhero, but there were hints of quite a few subplots. I kind of wish that the issue would have touched on those a little bit more, but I can see why the vagueness is there. You’re just going to start reeling me in slowly, huh? I get it. I look forward to seeing what this creative team has in store for us. I’m sure that we won’t see it coming.

Indestructable_01-pr_Page_1In closing, I just want to give this issue my approval. It might be a little early to say that I’ll be sticking around for the long haul, but I can’t see any reason to leave the book yet. When was the last time you dropped an unforgettable story like this after one issue? That’s what I thought.

Dustin:

There were aspects about this story that I liked and disliked. This take on the superhero genre… well if you can call it that, is actually different from most other non-major publisher heroes. The world has superheroes, but they’re really just celebrities with powers. They’re labelled mutants and forced to register, but then they just kind of walk around getting into whatever club they want. Our main character’s journey of being a fake superhero is interesting because of what’s likely to happen to him. The girl who bailed on him the night before on their date suddenly doesn’t mind having sex with him in the middle of the day without so much as a display of his powers. I don’t mind this part. I like the typical “mistaken identity” storyline painted on top of the superhero medium.

The problem I had was that the story came across as dated at times and too “L.A.” other times. I’ll get to that second part in a second. With Blockbuster going extinct this past month the life of the video store is dead. Yet our supporting character has been renting video games from them and they’re still concerned about what time to turn the game in. It’s a setting for the story to happen I get it and while I’m sure a vast majority of the audience knows what a video store is, they also know that they haven’t been in their prime for years now. Also as someone who worked in a video store and was almost robbed in one, I can tell you that the amount of cash you’d get would not be worth it. The entire scene was convenient to the story and stuck out like a sore thumb.

As for the second element of it being too “L.A.” there is one joke that’s reoccurring in the issue that really only makes sense or is funny if you live in L.A. It’s really not that funny of a joke, but I don’t see it being that funny or even someone who could care less about Hollywood finding it amusing. It’s a joke that’s so local that someone might have to look it up on the internet to get it. The thing is that people versed in Hollywood; be it by extension of the city they live in or personal obsession forgets that some people don’t give a shit about Hollywood, nor do they keep up on the jokes about their occupations. I got the joke, but it’s the issues go to joke and I don’t think everyone will get it or care.

Overall it’s not bad. The art is strong and the cliffhanger is interesting so I’ll be back to check out the second issue for sure.

Score: Erik - 4/5, Dustin - 3/5

Writer: Jeff Kline Artist: Javi Garron Publisher: IDW/Darby Pop Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 12/11/13