CREDIT: Image Comics
Rating: 4.5/5 – Noir Sci-Fi Mystery in Space!
by ComicSpectrum reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
The first issue of Roche Limit sets the stage for what looks to be a big story that encompasses a few genres, most notably science fiction, mystery and what seems to be the strongest part genre presented far, a fictional biography. Although it combines three genres, each one is given it’s fair share of time and attention making the entire package into something special and unique. The story and art compliment each other beautifully over the course of this first issue, and you get the sense that the creators, Michael Moreci and Vic Malhotra have a great passion and love for the material they’ve created.
The opening scene of Roche Limit sets the tone of the series, letting the reader know that all is not well on the Roche Limit colony. What was supposed to be a utopia/haven for the most brilliant and courageous minds to explore the universe, is now a place that is all alone in the darkness of space. It’s very reminiscent of the video game series Bioshock which is a very good thing, as that series is known for it’s fantastic storytelling. Roche Limit was a colony built in space, created by a billionaire Langford Skaargred who we get to learn about through captions within the panels of the story, as well as a two page text piece at the end. His story and just what happened to the Roche Limit colony is the most fascinating part of the story and will surely leave readers wanting to know more. The main story also introduces us to a female investigator who’s on the hunt for a missing girl, giving the book that mystery/noir feel. Writer Michael Moreci is packing this issue with a lot of different story threads, but it never feels rushed or confusing. It’s well paced throughout, although the ending will leave you confused and possibly a bit disappointed after such a strong opening.
The art by Vic Malhotra works perfectly with the storytelling. With the sci-fi setting, Malhotra keeps everything grounded. The science fiction elements are rough and worn, not clean and sterile. This is a world that feels lived in and feels aged. The art style feels right for the multiple genres this book covers, and the colors by Jordan Boyd go a long way in adding to the tone and look of the book. Image continues to put out some of the best books being published today, and this looks to be yet another example of the original and creative material they continue to release. There’s a lot to love in this first issue of Roche Limit and it looks as though this is the beginning of what could be something big.
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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