Review: Catalyst Prime – Seven Days #1 (of 7)
Gail Simone has been working super hard over the last couple of years showing people how talented a writer she is. Since leaving Batgirl, she has returned to her creator owned book for Dark Horse, written for Vertigo, back to Dark Horse, Marvel and back to DC! That’s quite a tour of a number of comic book universes and worlds, each with their own traits and requirements. Here, Simone is going to a smaller indie publisher in Lion Forge, proving Yoda right with what you shouldn’t do about comparing size and quality.
Two years ago, Lorena Payan realized that a meteor was heading to Earth. Unable to stop it, she watched with the world, traumatised by the damage it caused. Yet, before you could say “Vandal Savage”, it came to light that the meteor was affecting people giving them super powers. Now another threat looms on the horizon in the shape of the Obsidian Men. This time though, the world is prepared; this time we have Noble, Summit, and Accell who join together to investigate.
This first issue doesn’t actually do writer Simone any justice, with the sheer amount of chewing scenery that occurs in the first act and well into the second. For fans of Simone, whether it be the drama fans or the humour fans of Batgirl and Domino respectively, the need to set the scene affects the pacing of the story from the get go. Everything feels overwrought, a trait that does continue through to this issues conclusion. As the title suggests there will be seven issues, so there is time for all this carefully laid groundwork to flower into the type of writing we would expect. One thing to consider, away from the pacing, is the context of the story; the book ends is a tad dark and eschews the normal origin piece tropes and ideas.
The art is provided by José Lúis whose style could probably considered as standard superhero fare. To do so would mean you ignore the hard work Lúis puts in regarding the talking heads mentioned above, demonstrated through the fantastic use of varied panels and page structure. Lúis, like Simone, has spent time with DC on a number of possibly under the radar books such as Aquaman and Suicide Squad. Both books may have their fanbase, yet are not the big books of DC. Still with Lúis on board, there is an air of professionalism to proceedings. Inker Jonas Trinidade helps the art with strong lines and visual accents. Colorist Michelle Madsen adds textures to the colors, utilising various light sources, which by doing so adds depths to the figure work. Letterer Saida Temofonte should charge double for the amount of verbiage required during the first act. Finally, there are three covers to choose from. As good as the Bill Sienkiewicz cover is, if am honest, the Stjepan Sejic one is as you would expect, gorgeous!
Lion Forge have been publishing some strong books. By bringing Simone into the fold, they are looking to capture a loud and vocal group of fans. For that to happen, the quality of the story needs to shine. This is the first issue and whilst it may not automatically feel like a Simone book, there are enough hints and teases to intimate that normal service will be resumed during this run. Throw in the art of Lúis and company, delivering a solid quality of production and Lion Forge may eventually get their wish.
Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; Gail Simone
Art by; José Lúis
Inks by; Jonas Trinidade
Colors by; Michelle Madsen
Letters by; Saida Temofonte
Covers by; Stjepan Sejic, Ashley Witte rand Bill Sienkiewicz
Published by; Lion Forge
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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