Gamma #1 Review

Gamma #1

Writers: Ulises Fariñas, Erick Freitas
Artist: Ulises Fariñas
Colorist: Melody Often
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Review by Greg Brothers

Each week hundreds of comics come out. There are more than enough superheroes, mystery, horror, and sci-fi to keep any reader entertained for hours upon hours. Many of those titles are filled with familiar characters or recognizable creative teams, or both. For every comic that is established there are other creator-owned books that are hoping to catch the eye and the wallet of potential readers.

When I saw the description of Gamma #1 it caught my eye. How could a comic that is described as a cross between Power Rangers and Pokémon not? This particular dystopian reality focuses on Crash, Dusty, and Sandy as they try and catch and trade various creatures. Sounds like a great set-up, right? Unfortunately the concept is the best part of Gamma #1.

Immediately on page one your eyes are assaulted with various square and rectangle shaped panels that are filled with way too may speech bubbles and explanation. The dialogue throughout Gamma #1 is a mess. It seems to jump around from character to character with very little cohesiveness or flow to it. I found myself constantly going back and re-reading or doubling back to panels several times for clarification. Intermingled in the choppy dialogue are criticisms of conservatives and capitalism. I am not one of these people who harp on keeping politics out of comics, because when done well politics in comics is welcome. The problem with the commentary within Gamma #1 is that it is a subtle as a steel chair across your head.

As I mentioned before, the panels within Gamma #1 are often overcrowded and distracting. Which is really too bad because the actual character designs are done with great detail and care. The colors are bright and vibrant and fit the style that they seemed to be going with well.

Verdict: Skip it!

Whenever I write a review for a comic book that I end up not liking, I try and think of what group the book may have been written for. Unfortunately for Gamma #1 I could not think of that group. Maybe Manga fans will enjoy the storytelling style better, but I am no even sure this is for them. The concept is one that had a ton of potential, but, in the end, we get a mess of a book that falls very short of its lofty goals.