We had the chance to preview the new releases from Dark Horse Comics for the week of 19 Oct 2011, and these were the highlights:
Dark Horse Presents #5
A suicidal robot in the far reaches of outer space might sound depressing, but what if it’s story were written and drawn by The Goon’s Eric Powell? Dark Horse Presents continues the otherworldly endeavor of bringing you cutting-edge entertainment with another eighty-page leviathan!
While there are some great ongoing stories throughout this anthology, the highlight is the short but sweet opening tale of the aforementioned suicidal robot. Eric Powell manages to tell a deeply layered story in a relatively short length, and I liked the spin on some familiar concepts from the classic era of science fiction tales. – John Keegan
Mass Effect: Invasion #1
Writer: Mac Walters and John Jackson Miller
Artist: Omar Francia
Colorist: Michael Atiyeh
The Omega space station is the center of lawlessness in the galaxy, a den of vice ruled by the deadly asari Aria. It is also a strategic foothold in a galaxy-wide power struggle, and when the station comes under attack from a new threat unleashed by the humanity-first organization Cerberus, Aria is forced to become more ruthless than ever to protect her home-and her dominion!
I haven’t had much exposure to the Mass Effect universe, but John Jackson Miller has a great track record, and I had to give it a shot. I’m glad I did, because while there are some details particular to the Mass Effect universe, the tale itself is solid science fiction, and definitely accessible. The art is also very well done, though I leave it to Mass Effect fans to weigh in on the accuracy of the details. – John Keegan
Star Wars: Knight Errant: Deluge #3
Writer: John Jackson Miller
Penciller: Iban Coello
Inker: Sergio Abad
Colorist: Michael Atiyeh
Jedi Knight Kerra Holt’s elation at the prospect of being part of a team again has quickly deflated now that she realizes the motives of the Republic’s Devil Squadron are a far cry from her own. But with crime lord Zodoh the Hutt returning to Kerra’s home planet and the Sith Lord Daiman about to enter the fight, Kerra must sort out her allies or be destroyed!
I remember enjoying Miller’s novel for “Knight Errant”, so it was very easy to slip into this story for Kerra Holt. I also chalk that up to the writing, which like the Mass Effect book, was quite accessible, solid space opera. I also loved the art, which helped me to visualize the characters that had been in my head since reading the novel. – John Keegan
Also available this week:
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Russia #2
Conan: Road of Kings #9
Robert E. Howard’s Savage Sword #3
Check in next week for another look at the exciting new releases from Dark Horse Comics!
