The most maligned movie of Francis Ford Coppola’s filmography was Godfather Part III. To give the movie its proper historical perspective, it came out the same year as Goodfellas, which gave gangster movie fans something to look forward to. Critics would go on to say that the Martin Scorsese true crime story was better. I would beg to differ. The bookend to his Godfather opus, had its flaws, but it also had something for it, nostalgia.

We saw a full life journey through one man’s life and how his family steered those choices. It also showed how hard it is to leave your past behind. As something always calls you back. In the debut issue of Night Thrasher, our hero returns to New York City, as his help is needed by an old friend to fight a new foe.

We find Dwayne Taylor returning to New York to bury a friend, as he arrives late at the service.  He also is in  town for business, as he chooses to close the family foundation for good, something that none of the board members were expecting including Silvia but also catches the eye of a local Harlem councilman. Meanwhile on the other side of the city, a group of thugs, stealing from local businesses in Harlem, which leaves the local police department impotent to do anything. This makes Dwayne put back his suit on as Night Thrasher and track down this new threat to Harlem. By the issue’s end, Dwayne finds out the new threat is a former friend, and he has to finish what he started.

Overall, Night Thrasher #1 is a fun issue that will give fans of The New Warriors some nostalgic feels. The story by Holham is action packed. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story which is a nice welcome home issue for a hero comic book fans have been clamoring for.

Story: J. Holtham Art; Nelson Daniel
Color: Matt Milla Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

It’s time to thrash the night! The death of a loved one draws Dwayne Taylor back to New York City, though his days as Night Thrasher are long over. But Dwayne finds the past difficult to outrun when Silhouette, his ex-teammate from the New Warriors, seeks his help against a new criminal called THE O.G. And the mystery of the O.G.’s true identity and what’s to come will change Night Thrasher’s legacy forever! Night Thrasher #1 is an interesting start with a throwback stilted style about it.

Night Thrasher #1 is an interesting comic. It relies pretty heavily on continuity and these characters’ pasts to truly care about what’s going on. If there had been a regular series, recent comics, it’d all make a bit more sense in execution. As is, Night Thrasher #1 feels like a comic geared more towards die-hard fans invested in these characters mixed with some nostalgia.

Written by J. Holtham, Night Thrasher #1 isn’t so much a fresh start to jump into as it is a comic steeped in the past and character relationships. At the center is Dwayne Taylor, aka Night Thrasher, who mentions his history, disappearing, being dead, but with little detail. Then there’s Dwayne’s relationship with Silhouette which is key to the issue and it’s emotional punches. But again, unless you’re bought into and know their history, it all feels surface level informational not really tugging at the readers’ heart.

Holtham does deliver some interesting concepts, and the underlying bones of the story and comic are solid, it’s the focus on the past instead of charging into the future that really holds the comic back. Much like the issue of gentrification within, the comic’s story itself feels like it struggles between two worlds and needs of the reading audience.

The art by Nelson Daniel is ok. There’s a little John Romita Jr. flair to it with color by Matt Milla and lettering by Travis Lanham. The comic’s visuals aren’t too flashy and the overall style feels like an action style that Romita had in the 90s. It was good but also there’s a stilted flow to the art in some ways that also matches a stilted narrative.

Night Thrasher #1 isn’t a bad comic but it also doesn’t live up to its potential. A comic focused on gentrification while also exploring the stars of 90s comics to today would be a fascinating read. It dances around those concepts instead relying on reveals that are predictable but also only hit if you’re really into the New Warriors. Overall, the is a comic for Night Thrasher fans that others will likely want to skip.

Story: J. Holtham Art; Nelson Daniel
Color: Matt Milla Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle