Aero #1 is an interesting comic. It translates one story into English for the first time and includes new material as well. The comic is the English language debut of the Filipina superheroine and delivers something that has a lot of potential.
The translated story, “Protector of the City,” is absolutely fantastic. Written by Zhou Liefen with art by Keng, the comic is amazing. The look is fresh and beautiful. The writing has an almost poetic feel about it.
Writer Greg Pak adapts the story and the combination of visuals and narrative is something fantastic. While the story is basic, stopping an otherworldly being, the presentation is top notch. It feels like a beautiful dance at times with a flow about that befitting the wind powers of its heroine.
Pak handles the writing duty for “Aero & Wave: Origins and Destinies,” with a story that feels more focused on Wave than Aero. With art by Pop Mhan, the package feels a bit duller compared to the translated portion. It lacks flow and beauty. But, the story is entertaining and gives us some drama. What it also feels like is being thrown into a well-worn world, a character whose story has been told for years and years. That’s not a bad thing and shows Pak’s skills of allowing the reader to feel welcomed. As a chapter it’s just an ok part but as part of the longer narrative, it’s the opening salvo to deliver future action and drama.
The two stories feel so wildly different in quality not only am I scoring them separately but doing separate “recommendations.” One is a story that has me wanting more right away while the other feels a bit more forgettable. Together, they “introduce” a character, and a world, that’s long overdue for the West and welcome addition. Aero #1 isn’t flawless but it has a sense of freshness about it that deserves your attention.
“Protector of the City”
Story: Zhou Liefen Art: Keng Adaptation: Greg Pak
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
‘Aero & Wave: Origins and Destinies”
Story: Greg Pak Art: Pop Mhan
Color: Federico Blee Letters: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read
Comic Overall
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read
