The first thing to point out about this issue is that it gets serious in a rush. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s definitely different from what’s been shown in the series thus far. It’s a shift for sure, but I didn’t find it to be abrasive or out of character like you normally would on a series. There was something organic about the transition. Our group of knuckleheads have been transported into space on an alien ship. The three different aliens bow before Trev and call him the “Fistbearer” which is an awesome name. Hey I said the issue was serious, that didn’t mean there wasn’t still some funny. The aliens begin to introduce themselves and explain why they’re there and what it is that Trev is destined to do. They’re the last survivors of their individual planets which were all taken over by a sentient virus known as the DRQ. The group begins asking all kinds of great questions, but rather than answer them the lead alien reveals that he’s part of the DRQ and all three begin attack them. Trev’s fist crystal chi’s up around him giving him an Iceman kind of look, but he’s not the only one from the group ready to fight.
Again this is a very different issue from what we’ve seen up until now. It’s still a solid issue and manages to keep the exposition to a minimum. I mean they are talking aliens so some introduction/exposition is required, but it’s a tolerable amount for sure. There weren’t a lot of jokes this time around, but the strange thing is that I didn’t care. Brian Winkeler has made the reader invested in the characters to the point that you want to follow them anywhere they go. At this point we’ve seen them fight a giant monster in the street, stop a robbery in a diner and help a boy in a hole. We’ve gone to some random places with them and now we’re in space and frankly you don’t even bat an eye.
I said on my last review that Robert Wilson’s artwork is continuing to grow and improve and that continues here. Colorist Jordan Boyd also continues to improve and match Wilson’s artwork more and more with each issue. This was the by far the most put together and professional looking issue of the series on all fronts.
Wilson’s alien designs are bug and reptile inspired, but they are unique looking and strangely fit the universe. Two of them have similar elements to their construction, but I still enjoyed their design and could see the work that Wilson put into making them different.
Do the DRQ win? I don’t know, but I’m hoping we find out in the next issue which will mark the end of the first volume. It’s tough to say when the story will continue after that, but if you’d like to encourage the creators you should pre-order the trade that’s on sale at the end of July.
If you haven’t checked this series out then I don’t know what I can do to convince you that’s worth your time and money. It has comedy, friendship, believable dialogue; interesting characters, action and gross-out humor… don’t tell me this book isn’t for you because it has something for everyone.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Brian Winkeler Artist: Robert Wilson IV Colorist: Jordan Boyd Publisher: MonkeyBrain Comics Price: $0.99 Release Date: 7/2/14 Format: Digital