By Dustin Cabeal

Belle isn’t unlike most monster of the week TV shows. That’s by no mean a slam because I enjoy shows like that, even if it’s only for a few seasons. There was something in particular that Belle reminds me of, but for the life of me, I couldn’t place it. Perhaps a reader of this comic and review will think of it and leave a comment.

The story follows Belle, which is probably not her real name. She’s just finished killing a Minotaur and checks in which her mentor/control center person Candlestick. That seems to be his real name, which was a nice tip of the hat. As Belle makes her way to a library to fight another monster, she thinks of her past giving us some flashbacks. Belle’s mother did the same job as her and brought home a young boy who became her adopted brother. Eventually, her mother doesn’t come home it tears the family apart.

The first issue has a good balance of origin and action while presenting a mystery for the series to follow. It’s a straightforward first issue. Any level of comic reader could pick it up and understand everything happening and be enticed to read more. That doesn’t mean it’s the first issue to beat all first issue, but it does accomplish its mission of introducing the main character, her world, and her mission. All that and a good amount of backstory that’s intercut between the present. It keeps the backstory from feeling daunting or tedious. Instead, it was a fresh presentation of information.

The artwork is also steady and accessible. It doesn’t principally drive the story, but there are times it plays off the narration and isn’t redundant. Otherwise, it’s beautiful to look at. The coloring is vibrant and never washes out the intricate details that the linework and ink put in place. It would be nice to see the art show more than the narration tells, but it could be something that the artist needs to work towards. As it stands, Zenescope is finding some talented artists and making their interior art stand out as much as their exterior comics.

Over the past few years, there have been a few trends in comics. First, it was the lame duck first issue followed by a magical series, and then there were the first issue wonders that instantly dipped and failed on the second issue. Right now, it seems like we’re getting solid first issues that aren’t looking to be over the top and thrilling, but instead lay down a foundation that helps the rest of the series. That’s what we have here with Belle. It’s not that thrilling, it’s interesting and leaves you wanting to read the rest of the story. Hopefully, the second issue can build upon the setup here and deliver a remarkable series.

Score: 3/5

Belle #1
Zenescope Entertainment