REVIEW: THE PEDESTRIAN #1

I picked up Issue #1 of the Pedestrian from Magma Comix at San Diego Comic Con 2024 and had no idea what to expect. Created by Joey Esposito, Sean Von Gorman, and Josh Jensen, this comic surprised me and may very well be a game-changer in the superhero genre! It’s got charm, intrigue, and a fresh perspective that flips traditional hero tropes on their head in the best way possible. Gorman himself stated that the Pedestrian has the elements of a slightly comedic version of Twin Peaks.

The story of the Pedestrian takes place in Summer City, a sleepy little place where everyday acts of kindness turn into heroic deeds. Our hero, The Pedestrian, presents a refreshing take on heroism, focusing on those little yet impactful actions that usually fly under the radar. Helping someone back into a parking space, returning someone’s lost wallet, being the good samaritan we should all strive to be. And yet…you can’t help but think something much bigger is happening right under the surface.

Joey Esposito weaves a story that really brings out the gritty side of Summer City, highlighting the struggles of its residents who feel trapped within it with no prospects for the future. The arrival of The Pedestrian kicks off a chain of events, hinting at some intriguing mysteries waiting to be uncovered. This first issue does what any well told introduction to a new world does…namely leaving you with way more pressing questions than answers.

The artwork by Sean Von Gorman and Josh Jensen is world class and brings Summer City to life in a way that creates a perfect setting for what appears to be a regular town that is hiding many mysteries. The character designs enhance the storytelling and the Pedestrian’s outlandish look—rocking a stark white hooded unitard—against the ‘seemingly’ mundane backdrop of Summer City adds a perfect combination of absurdity and hilarity. It’s a clever nod to classic superhero comics while also poking fun at them and… I loved all of it!

Sean Von Goren provided a thought provoking statement about the Pedestrian – ‘If you strip away all of the trappings, the superpowers, the flight of Superman, who are you left with? Someone who’s just trying to do the right thing all the time. But in this case we don’t know why…yet! That’s who we have with the Pedestrian!’

The Pedestrian is a unique and thought-provoking spin on the superhero genre. It’s a blend of mystery and whimsical heroism and is definitely one to watch as the story unfolds. Don’t miss out on it!

Check out The Pedestrian by going to:
MagmaComix.com

Writer: Joey Esposito
Artist: Sean Von Gorman
A Regular Cover: Sean Von Gorman $3.99 • 32 pages (24 story)
B Variant Cover: Dean Haspiel $4.99 • 36 pages (24 story) • Cardstock cover
C Incentive Cover: Mike Allred
36 pages (24 story) • Cardstock cover

ON SALE:
8/7/2024