Project IMPACT #1 and #2 Review

Writer: Alan Russette

Artist: Stephan Petersen

Rating: 6 of 8

Project I.M.P.A.C.T. #1 and #2

Sometimes an idea itself can be lacking, but in execution, it's elevated by the people involved. That isn't always the case and, for the most part, isn't the case here. The idea of a Canadian superhero team is fine, even if it's not as exciting as some others. 

The shame is, Russette has the makings of a decent, perhaps very good, superhero comic, but it just doesn't come together satisfyingly to make that happen. A large part of this is due to the art, which definitely improves in the 2nd issue, mainly due to heavier inks, which I definitely appreciate. In issue 1 though, there was too much of a faded look due to lighter inks, which made the characters look less detailed than I'd like. 

In issue 1, there's one scene with armoured hero French Guardian with a few cops in the background, who're lacking in detail and are a lot sketchier than I'd like. I definitely prefer issue 2, for a lot of reasons. As well as the art being more detailed, we get more of an attitude from I.M.P.A.C.T. leader Pulsar than in the previous issue, which I definitely liked. It added more personality to him, while still keeping him level headed, which is not an easy feat.

There's also a greater sense of fun, thanks to his fight with Huoyan Dashi, something we didn't really get with multiple fights in the 1st issue. The beast he fights is very well realized, with a very familiar design for their kind. The issue ends with an intriguing cliffhanger, expanding on the larger threat.

Ultimately, while the 1st issue is disappointing, the 2nd issue is a noticeable improvement, so this could be a case of the series still finding it's feet. It could improve with time, as it already has in a couple ways, from one issue to the next. 

Hotell #1 Review

Writer: John Lees

Artist: Dalibor Talajíc

Rating: 6 of 8

Hotell #1

 

Horror can be one of the most malleable genres around. Able to go in multiple different directions, while still giving a similar feeling of dread, it's no wonder so many writers choose to dip their toes into this ever shifting pond. In Hotell, Lees brings us a hotel that's been host to many visitors with a variety of terrifying tales.

In the 1st issue, we get a classic tale of someone heading to a distant hotel in order to escape a terrifying ordeal. Of course, it's only a matter of time before what you're running from catches up with you - and sometimes, what you're running to can be even scarier. Lee and Talajíc do a great job of showing just what Alice's trying to escape and just how extreme that really is.

It's an important thing to do a story, especially in a visual medium. We get a sense of just how important it is that she escapes and just how difficult that could be. The issue's definitely not short of horrific imagery, ranging from Alice being choked, to hands exiting a mouth, to... feeding. Later in the issue, the team did well in making me feel sorry for a monster, which I definitely applaud.

Overall, a very good debut, that's definitely worth a read. Well written, well drawn, it comes together very nicely. The only complaint I have is that I couldn't understand who was on fire later in the issue. I think it could've done better in establishing who that was. Other than that, I was very happy with the issue and definitely recommend it. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Stealth #1 Review

Writer: Mike Costa

Artist: Nate Bellegarde

Rating: 7 of 8

Stealth #1

Even though it's lovely to get the usual antics from familiar characters like Spider-Man or Superman, it can be refreshing to get a unique twist on the familiar superhero concept - and that can definitely be found in Stealth #1.

Costa adds a very human layer to the larger than life world of a superhero, which I really credit him for. He does this by having Tony deal with a very relatable problem, which is a father with Alzheimer's. It's not something I usually see in superhero comics and I commend Costa for it. It's not just casually thrown in or forgotten about, but a significant part of the issue.

He isn't just concerned about his Dad, but also his city, which is falling apart in different ways. Is Stealth the one to save it - or will he only make things worse? The issue isn't lacking for action either, ranging from the hero taking on an armed robber to battling a group of armed men. Bellegarde does a great job illustrating the impact as Stealth lands on the car, along with the cracking of the glass. His art really adds to a lot of moments throughout the issue.

You'll see more on that twist later in the issue, which really is brilliant. Overall, a terrific 1st issue that's well worth a read. Both the writing and art come together very well to make a really good issue, that's well worth a read.

Join The Future #1 Review

Writer: Zack Kaplan

Artist: Piotr Kowalski

Rating: 7 of 8

Join The Future #1

It can be hard to change. Sometimes, you just want to stay where and as you are, instead of making a change to how you live. But sometimes, change can be all too inviting - even if it means compromising who you are. That's a conflict Mayor William and his people, especially his kids, have to confront.

While his son Owen wants them to start using more advanced weaponry and technology, William doesn't want him or his daughter to compromise, to bargain away their values. I think he wants them to lead a principled life, despite it's difficulty, though I'm not sure if that's what his son wants. Right now, I'm not sure what his daughter Clementine wants, but maybe that'll be made clear in future issues.

Reading the issue, I couldn't help but feel the promise of a megacity eliminating disease, crime and poverty was too good to be true. I felt there had to be a catch somewhere - and I feel like I was proven right.

Kowalski delivers some really good art; like earlier in the issue, when Clem's gotta deal with an attacking wolf. There's a palpable sense of fear across her face, though I feel he could've shown more ferocity in it's eyes. I've also gotta compliment Kaplan and Kowalski for a brief moment where we see Clem stop to look at the megacity, while her brother and father walk on. It says a lot without any dialogue, which is a great skill to have.

Later in the issue, their town's visited by a man trying to convince them to move to a megacity. Even though he's trying to sell the idea of a better place to them, he's flanked by two armed guards, indicating a lack of trust of the people he's talking to, or a more sinister intent. At the end of the scene, even his face radiates a sinister aura. 

Overall, a really promising debut, with some interesting ideas and intriguing conflict. The stage has been set for a compelling series, with a lot of questions to answer and a really thrilling cliffhanger that'll be great to see followed up. I heartily recommend it.