EARLY REVIEW: CLOAKS #1 from boom! Studios

Writer: Caleb Monroe
Artist: Marianna Navarro
Colors: Gabriel Cassata
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Created By: David Henry

REVIEW

Premise: A young, would be illusionist attempts to fill his mentor’s shoes. But when you’re a product of the foster care system trying to live on your own, there are only so many good decisions one can make before a bad one screws everything up.

Allow me to rant for a second. I really hate making up these premises, because I never know if I’m offending the writer by getting it wrong. To anyone looking to be a comic book creator, please note that a short premise is just as important as the credits. When a book at the bookstore peaks your interest, what’s the first thing you do when you pick it up? Flip it over and read the premise! It gives the reader a heads up on what to expect. Side note, this rant is a “build up” of reviewing several comics, not just a reflection on this one. Okay, end of rant.

Rant aside, “Cloaks” is very brilliant piece of work! The colors are soft and slightly muted, giving the overall feel a classic look. And it matches the story plot’s temperature: cool and relaxed. Nothing about this comic screams “DEAR GOD, WATCH OUT! HE’S GOT A GUN!!! BLAM!!!” Even with the action scenes, the mood still suggests that everything is under control. I really appreciated this in a world of comics where everything is “Hey, something is happening right now, you have to read this or someone will die!” Boom Studios did a really great job keeping me interested without raising my blood pressure (ie: great balance!)

The writing and story plot is pretty good as well. If I had to describe Cloaks, it would be a lighter toned version of the story of Robin from DC’s Batman. I can genuinely say that I am looking forward to reading what happens within the next three issues!

Rating 4/5

By Tyrone Selby

Follow me on Twitter: @TyroneHydraulicÂ

Author Profile

Tyrone

Tyrone Selby is a jack of all trades from Maryland, Tyrone does a lot in a 24 hour period. Writer of comic â€œElements of Lightâ€œ, producer of Spark-Flow Studios, LLC. Soul 4 Reel Film Festival co-director and full time professional dance instructor keep him updated on almost everything in the entertainment industry. So writing reviews on comics will be no problem! Check out Tyrone on Twitter: @TyroneHydraulic