Olympia #1 kicks off a love letter to comics. The debut issue revolves around Elon, a latchkey kid who spends his days alone reading comic books. One day his favorite superhero, Olympian, comes crashing into reality. The concept is something we’ve seen before but there’s a heartfelt aspect to this debut that oozes off of the page.

Created by Tony Pires and Curt Pires, Olympia was created by them as Tony was undergoing treatment for cancer. There’s an earnest meditation on hope and loss in the first issue as we get hints of Elon’s life. The comic also oozes wonder as Elon meets his hero. There’s something for every comic fan to relate to in this debut which makes it all the more impressive. Whether it’s Elon’s personal life or his isolation reading comics, it’s something we’ve experienced.

While the concept, so far, doesn’t feel original, there’s just an enthusiasm that works in the comic. It’s relatable and emotional set up that sucks readers in. It’s also clearly a love letter to comics. From the magical story itself to the art.

The art by Alex Diotto riffs on the classic work of Jack Kirby who’s quoted within the comic. From the colors by Dee Cunniffe to the lettering of Micah Myers there’s a feel of “retro” in so much of the comic. A use of a Kirby crackle to the style of the colors and type of coloring, there’s been a lot of thought to create a look that evokes the classic comics the story loves.

Olympia #1 is the fantastical experience of a reader being drawn into the world they’re engaging in. There’s a meta aspect to the comic as we the reader are sucked into the experience ourselves. It’s a comic you can enjoy for the story and connect on an emotional and personal level. It’s an experience and story we can all relate to in some way.

Story: Tony Pires, Curt Pires Art: Alex Diotto
Color: Dee Cunniffe Letterer: Micah Myers Design: Ryan Ferrier
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.15 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review