What a week for comic book readers. No shortage of quality issues to read. Major installments from a couple of the best ongoing titles, great starts to second volumes of a few must-read indie titles and some first issues to pick through. But, there can only be one. This week Charles Soule and Ryan Browne’s Eight Billion Genies #1 gets the honors.
Image Comics
Written by: Charles Soule
Art by: Ryan Browne
Letters by: Chris Crank
Now, sometimes the title of a book is enough to reel me in on a first issue. That was not the case with Eight Billion Genies. Not that it deterred me, it just didn’t pique my interest. The synopsis, however, did the job. Can you imagine? Without warning, everyone on the planet gets a genie that will grant one wish? Sheer chaos — which we get but a taste of in Eight Billion Genies #1.
Oddly enough, readers are introduced to eight characters in the first issue, which takes us up to the first eight minutes of the event. (Anyone else sensing a theme here?) And man, a lot happened in those eight minutes.
As for the art, the genies are a bit odd-looking. Didn’t do much for me initially, but their design very much fits these types of genies. They’re a bit odd — in a funny way. They also contrast the rest of Browne’s artwork. The genies are cuie, quirky little apparitions, and the people look gritty — kind of like the Lampwick bar. Speaking of which, this Will Williams character seems to have a lot of potential. Can’t wait to see what happens to him and the rest of the Lampwick crew.
Honorable Mention: Crossover #13 | Seven Secrets #17 | Devil’s Highway Vol. 2 #1 | Bunny Mask: The Hollow Inside #1 | Jenny Zero II #1 | Grim #1 | Hulk vs. Thor: Banner of War Alpha #1
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