A child with unimaginable power is raised to believe he is God by a cult of zealots utterly confident in the moral authority of their religion. The Magnificent Leader has imposed his will on humanity and created the ultimate theocracy. Join them, or be cast out to suffer with the masses. Napalm Lullaby #1 is an interesting debut that delivers a fast paced dive into this world and teases some depth.

Napalm Lullaby #1 is an interesting debut, teasing out its underlying concept enough to get readers to come back for more. Written by Rick Remender, the comic hits the zeitgeist starting with a religious protest ad then pivoting to the arrival of a baby that’s familiar, but quite different.

The debut issue dances around its world that has been subjugated by religion and those pushing against it. There also seems to be a twist as to the origin of it all that’s teased and could lead to further discussions about fate and whether things are written in stone. But, overall, the comic feels like it’s focused on the tyranny of the minority that rises due to an individual.

Remender in Napalm Lullaby #1 feels like he’s tapping into a lot of what society is struggling with today but wrapping it in layers of flashy tech and action.

Bengal provides that with art that delivers some excitement enough to distract from the depth within. With lettering by Rus Wooton, the comic takes us from a quiet opening to quickly ramping up into future tech and a future ruled by fear and religion. That future presented itself has no problem playing with smoke and mirrors to keep readers guessing as to what’s real and not and a creative action sequence that’ll get you to go back and reread parts of the comic.

Napalm Lullaby #1 sets up an interesting concept and world that feels like it has something to say. It entertains with solid art and action sequences while laying things out. It shows potential as a series and concept but it’s long term interest will really rely on how much it’s willing to explore its underlying concepts beyond the surface level art. There’s something there and more enough to tune in to see what Remender, Begnal, and Wooton deliver in the second issue.

Story: Rick Remender Art: Bengal Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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