As war is looming on the horizon on the planet Shasu, the leader of the Bloodaxe family is conflicted between living up to his father’s domineering legacy and maintaining the peace. It is up to him to settle the conflicts within himself, and his family, before the entire planet erupts in war. Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 kicks off a prequel series to the film by Zack Snyder.

I’ll first admit, I haven’t watch Rebel Moon yet. So, without that, I have no idea if I’d enjoy the comic more or less if I did. But, as it stands, I went into Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 hoping for a comic that might hook me regardless. It didn’t do that. Instead, I found a comic that just wasn’t exciting. Something about it comes off stiff and what should be sweeping and grand moments feel like the boring parts of the Star Wars prequels involving blockades.

With a story by Zack Snyder and written by Magdalene Visaggio, Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 isn’t bad. It tells its story and eventually gets to the point. The problem is, it’s just rather boring getting there. The comic reminds me of everything I dislike about Dune, which it reminds me of in its execution. There’s bits about ruling and different groups on a planet but there isn’t enough to really care about any of that. And, the eventual twist that’s far too into the comic, never hits you because there’s no reason to care. Without spoilers, a ruler who is set up to be a dick is having his sovereignty stepped on by his galactic rulers who are clearly lying and are bigger dicks. Not sure I’m really supposed to be cheering for anyone here.

Part of the issue is the art by Clark Bint. There’s some inconsistencies in the style with some panels just looking dreadful and bodies contorted in ways that just aren’t possible. During a walk and talk, a head looks like the neck should be snapped to reach the way it is. Then there’s a lack of really using visuals to build the drama. Shocking news comes off flat with scenes that are too panned out and a lack of imagery of the shocking news doesn’t help matters. The comic builds drama but the visuals don’t really nail the payoff.

Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 is just a rough comic. Maybe fans really into the film will appreciate it more but the story drags far too much and the art is inconsistent and doesn’t do the story justice. It can be read without seeing the film, so it has that going for it. But, after reading this debut, not sure you’d then want to watch the film it’s based on.

Story: Zack Snyder Written: Magdalene Visaggio Art: Clark Bint
Color: Francesco Segala Flats: Sabrina Del Groso Letterer: Andworld Design’s Jame
Story: 6.5 Art: 6.0 Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Pass

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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