The theme for this pairing is “the,” just kidding, actually it’s two quality books independently published, but both would fit at a major publisher.  2011 was the year I really dove into “indie’ books and because of that discovered quality like these two.

The Hero Code #1

I’ll start right out and say, the comic is very familiar.  There’s the “Superman,” the “Wonder Woman,” the “Batman” type characters, but the way the story unfolds, how each of those characters are portrayed and especially with the solid art, I just don’t care.  I discovered the series on Kickstarter and happily contributed towards it, but when I saw the product I helped get produced, I was ecstatic.  This is a comic I’d pick off of the shelf or be excited to get in Artist Alley at a convention.  It’s quality.

The premise behind the series is that every human on the planet holds within them a genetic coding which grants the carrier great powers. The catch – this code only activates when we are faced with near-extinction level threats. The series explores ideas about time, reality, and what it means to be a hero.

The first issue is all set up.  Full of action that just pops off the page with amazing art.  I got to the end and immediately wanted more, a very good sign.  The comic is familiar, but there’s an excitement and energy about it that are missing at times from other similar books.  That feel makes the comic stand out and makes this one of my favorite finds of 2011.

Story: Jamie Gambell Art: Jonathan Rector Publisher: MPS

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

The Red Ten #1

I’m not much of a fan of books.  I really didn’t like reading them growing up, so the ones I really enjoyed I could count on my hand.  Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians or And Then There Were None is one of those books I loved.  The Red Ten is the super hero version of that story, which makes me wonder why the hell that hasn’t been done before?!

When the world’s greatest detective is violently murdered by her nemesis, the world’s foremost super team and her former sidekick band together to bring the villain to justice. However, the mission goes terribly wrong, and before the night is out each of the ten “heroes” will pay dearly for past transgressions.

What was fun reading this comic was, I had no idea that it’s similar to one of my favorite books.  I got to the end and had a smile on my face.  It’s a murder mystery except anyone can be the murderer or victim and I’m expecting twists and turns like the book it’s based off of.  The art is solid, pacing great, everything is top notch.

This was another comic I got to the end and wanted to read more.  It was that good and that entertaining.  Here’s hoping we see issue two soon, I really want to know who did it.

Story: Tyler James Art: Cesar Feliciano Publisher: Comix Tribe

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Graphic Policy was provided with FREE copies for review