Copra #1 kicks off a whole new volume of the beloved and praised indie series. But, it’s a new volume that’s really just a continuation of the old volume.
Creator Michel Fiffe has the difficult job of creating a first issue that is for both new and old readers. Copra had previously had a nice run with a lot of history and intrigue. Throwing that out and starting over would anger the fans who have been loyal for years. Still, with a new publisher, there’s an opportunity for a whole new audience looking for a superhero/spandex story not from the big two. Fiffe does a decent job in balancing the two aspects.
Copra follows a squad of members who will all remind you of other heroes from other publishers. That’s part of the fun. Fiffe gives them all enough of a twist to defy expectations or goes over the top with those expectations. It’s an off the rails indie version of Suicide Squad and it works so well.
The first issue picks up on their misadventures referencing where the previous volume ended but also attempting to give a starting point for new readers. It does a decent job at the latter though falls more into the former. So, it’s not completely new reader friendly.
Fiffe does do his best with an issue packed with materials explaining characters and what’s happened so far and that might help. Really, you should go back and get everything anyways since it’s that good.
The art is the usual pop indie style that Fiffe brings to everything he does. The style is unique and unlike anything else in comics and on the shelves. There’s something fun about the style.
Copra #1 isn’t the best starting point for new readers but does feel a bit like a fresh start at the same time with an energy befitting its new publisher Image Comics. If you’re looking for spandex action beyond the big two, it really doesn’t get much better than this and even with a higher profile Copra #1 continues the attitude that has made the series stand out.
Story: Michel Fiffe Art: Michel Fiffe
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
