I love old school sci-fi. The writings of Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Asimov, and Lester del Rey kept me out of trouble during my formative years; and to this day I get a kick out of reading some of those old stories from the 50’s and 60’s that envisioned the future I live in today. For the most part, to tell the truth, they got it wrong–if anyone, Philip K. Dick, has proved the most prescient. Nonetheless, these stories captured something of the dark, but full of potential, human spirit that continues to stumble blindly across our earthly universe.
Gregory Shoen and Alonso Molina‘s Raygun is the best of both worlds. It is a sci-fi comic book story set in the present world, with classic undertones, supported by real world characters from our scientific past.
In the first issue, Tesla, in a last ditch effort to protect his most prized, and possibly destructive, invention; sends it to the future where perhaps a more enlightened human species will better understand its possibilities. Little does he know that despite our advances, our proclivity for destruction has remained the same.
Next, enter stage left, comes Matthew, our troubled middle school aged hero, who transfers to a new school after coming to live with his estranged father. Being the new kid in school engenders the obvious bullying and fights, that in turn set in motion his accidental discovery of Tesla’s secret invention: a powerful destructive ray gun. The release of this new power is followed by the awakening of an older industrial icon.
If you want to know more, go buy it. It’s worth the $2.99 for a digital comic.
This was a solid read, and a good story, for what may be a promising series. It’s a light introduction meant for a younger audience; but if like me, you’re into sci-fi, then it will prove to be enjoyable. The art is rendered in black and white, with good anime style visuals (which I hope are eventually colored). I, for one, look forward to the second issue, and the fleshing out of the rest of the supporting cast–especially the nerdy side kick.
Story: Gregory Schoen Art: Alonso Molina Letters: Paolo Lopez
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall Score: 8 Recommendation: Read
Alterna Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.
