Tag Archives: joe bucco

Review: Hotshot #1

Underdogs are what most of us root for in a movie. Therefore, the movie, Rudy, is so memorable and almost used as an affectation for anyone having to overcome obstacles. The most recent underdog story that comes to is, Eddie the Eagle, a sappy story taking place during the 80s. What is the connection between these two stories other than actual people, is their heart.

That is why we love superheroes who are underdogs as well. Spider-Man stood up out for this exact reason, as he was relatable but his goodness always shined through. The Flash, was also the same, as Barry Allen, was just an ordinary guy until he sees troubles in the world. This is also why Hotshot, continues to be interesting, as his struggles are real.

In this issue, we catch up with Hotshot shortly after his dustup the Void. We also rehash his fight with his girlfriend and finally how these two worlds collide. What occurs is an all-out fight between Hotshot and the Void, leaving wreckage everywhere, as a character, points, it is pure insanity. Before the issue ends, there is new nemesis who can levitate everything in their wake.

Overall, an excellent first issue, which pulls the reader further in. The story by Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge is continuing to intrigue. The art by Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter, and Joe Bucco, punches every frame. Altogether, a good installment in this hero’s journey.

Story: Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge
Art: Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter and Joe Bucco
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 9.1 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Hotshot #0

Origin stories are truly the stuff of legends, when one understands how a hero came to be, it can truly be inspiring. The most popular heroes have origin stories rooted in tragedy. The most famous one being Batman, whose parents are killed right in front of him as a child. The other one that comes to mind, is the most epic refugee story, that of Superman, who not only loses his parents but his whole race.

There are also those heroes whose lives are much like our own. The characters that come to mind, is the heroes of the Dakota Universe, as they were normal characters until a life changing event occurs. This was the case with Static, who was an ordinary student, whose life was ordinary, until he gains powers. This is also the case with Hotshot, an art student, who unexpectedly gains powers from what is called the Zero Event.

In this premiere issue, we meet Hotshot, whose alter ego is an art student named Michael. We meet him shortly after he gets in trouble with his girlfriend, who is shocked to learn that he has kept his superhero identity a secret from her. What follows is a cataclysm where he saves some civilians and where his girlfriend breaks up with him. Before the issue ends, he stops a burglary, and teams up with Vigilance to stop a fire.

Overall, an excellent first issue, which introduces the reader to a relatable character who we all can see ourselves in. The story by Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge is immensely entertaining and makes the reader more than invested in these characters. The art by Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter, and Joe Bucco, simply shines and pops off the page. Altogether an entertaining “a day in the life of” that will keep the reader wanting more.

Story: Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge
Art: Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter and Joe Bucco
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy