Liberator, by writer Matt Miner is a hard-edged vigilante series about two young heroes who avenge the torture of animals. It draws upon Miner’s real life experience as a dog rescuer and his familiarity of this very real world. And that understanding of this very real world is what makes the series so interesting.

This is a grounded superhero tale, no fancy powers or devices, just simple tools anyone uses and goals that anyone can obtain. And that’s what makes it fun and easy to relate to. No matter what it is, most of us have some cause we care about, and wish we could do more. It can be a small simple local thing, or a world-changing issue. Here we see someone do just that. And it actually occurs, making it all the more fascinating, no matter where you stand on the issue of animal rights.

The second issue picks up right where the first leaves it, jumping pretty much right into the action. Damon continues his plan to liberate some animals and is followed by a fellow traveler. That makes the cover to the first issue make a lot more sense. We also get to find out about Jeanette and her history and her interest in the animal movement.

And that’s some of the biggest strengths of the series. This isn’t some cookie cutter heroes, Miner is making sure to round out the characters and focus on their past and motivations. Damon especially is most interesting when he’s dealing with people in his day job. It’s clear he has an issue with bullying, whether it’s against animals or people. That makes his actions all the more interesting.

There’s two elements in this issue I don’t want to spoil that should make for a solid third issue. The ending of this issue and what comes just before it. Both together make for an interesting mix and it’ll be interesting to see if Miner keeps the comic grounded or heads into some fantastical elements.

The art by Javier Sanchez Aranda is solid, fitting the characters and mood nicely. It’s a good team and it’ll be interesting to see how he progresses as the series does.

Liberator is a fun mix of politics and hero in comic form. Something we don’t see enough of sadly. It wears its politics on its sleeve proudly and is all the better for it. No matter your thoughts on the subject the comic will entertain and hopefully make you think too.

Story: Matt Miner Art: Javier Sanchez Aranda
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Black Mask Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

When I get wind of a comic series that mixes politics into the story, my ears immediately perk up, no matter its leaning. I’m politically active (shocker) and lean left generally, but I do vary on some issues. Liberator, written by Matt Miner with art by Javier Sanchez Aranda takes on an issue I find myself going back and forth on, animal rights. And with my wishy-washy beliefs, I enjoyed it even more so as I learned a bit more about the varied viewpoints.

Liberator #1 is the first issue of a hard-edged vigilante series about two young heroes who avenge the torture of animals, Miner is a real-life dog rescuer. When it comes to animal rights, I have friends on many sides of the issues and always thought it a fascinating cause, though have never much been an animal person. Partially because those in that community run the spectrum from activists who rescue and care for animals to the more militant who liberate animals with questionable tactics. With this series we get a look across that spectrum, both in story and the articles included after. And no matter your opinion on the issue, it’s a great read and interesting cause to learn about.

With this first issue, the seeds and groundwork are laid out for the many characters the story revolves around, but the overarching plot is still a mystery. The series really could just be about the liberation of tortured animals, and that would be interesting in itself, but I’m expecting something a bit more (though would happy to be wrong).

What I really enjoy is the balance of characters. They’re presented as average normal people, some passionate about a cause and willing to express that passion in varied ways. They’re interactions and what they have to deal with, arrests, some of the protesting, are events and topics I’m very familiar with as an activist. Seeing protests on the comic page and some of what’s dealt with put a smile on my face. This is a side of politics you don’t see depicted too often, and when you do, it’s in a negative light. Here we get a fairly honest portrayal and I can’t wait to see what else is in store.

Liberator is a fun mix of politics and hero in comic form. Something we don’t see enough of sadly. It wears its politics on its sleeve proudly and is all the better for it. No matter your thoughts on the subject the comic will entertain and hopefully make you think too.

All of Miner’s personal share of profit goes to dog rescue work. For those who are interested, there’s a release-day signing event at JHU Comic Books in NYC, June 19th at 6PM, https://www.facebook.com/events/133499776849210/

Story: Matt Miner Art: Javier Sanchez Aranda
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Black Mask Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review