Pacific Rim seems to have launched (or been part of the wave) of the resurgence of stories featuring giant robots fighting kaiju. Many of them are just spins on the same story, giant creature attacks and a giant robot fights back. They’re entertaining in that popcorn way, not much thought, enjoy the fight. But, there’s a few that have stood out due to the fact they deliver something slightly different. We Ride Titans #1 looks like it’s going to be one of those stories that stands out if the debut issue is any indication.
Written by Tres Dean, the story revolves around the Hobbs family who pilot the mech that protects New Hyperion. The current pilot, Dej, has a drinking problem and causes a massive amount of destruction while battling the latest monster, while he’s drunk. Enter Kit, his estranged sister, who is called back into service by their parents while Dej deals with his issues. Dean delivers the usual battles but the focus on the pilots and those in charge and their dysfunction is what makes this debut issue stand out from such similar general concepts.
Screwed up pilots isn’t anything that’s new. It’s something that seems to be a regular part of the story for the latest wave. The troubled pilot who then saves the day seems to be a given. We Ride Titans #1 though, feels like it’s mostly going to focus on that family dynamic. The relationship of siblings and their parents is at the center of the story, not the threat that they face. The monster isn’t some physical thing, it’s their issues as a family. That’s different and interesting. How do you deal with your own issues while also having so many others rely on your protection? That seems to be where Dean is going with it all.
The art by Sebastian Píriz is solid. With color by Dee Cunniffe and lettering by Jim Campbell, what’s presented is very smart as far as the story that’s being told. Yes, the comic begins with a big battle, but its’ focus to start is the pilot Dej. The art focuses in on him as he struggles to fight and struggles with the messages he’s receiving from command. It’s not about the battle itself, it’s the battle Dej is having with himself. There’s an almost stripped down aspect to it that doesn’t go for flashy fighting and keeps things focused where it should, on the characters, exactly like the first issue does.
We Ride Titans #1 is a solid start to the series. It delivers something new from a genre that was getting a little played out. There’s tension and a lot of dynamics that are easy to relate to. As expected, this is a debut to make sure to grab from the shelf and absolutely check out the second issue when it arrives.
Story: Tres Dean Art: Sebastian Píriz
Color: Dee Cunniffe Letterer: Jim Campbell
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Vault Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
