Redline #1
Writer: Neal Holman
Artist: Clayton McCormack
Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letterer: Crank!
Publisher: Oni Press
A review by David Hildebrand
Mars. The big red planet. There has been thousands of stories written about it, along with the struggles, and aliens that inhabit it. Every writer has their own take, their own story to tell. A lot of them are cliche and has the feeling of “been there, done that.” Neal Holman (Archer, Frisky Dingo, Sealab 2021) has taken the cliche Mars trope and has put a nice little spin on it. But is it enough to capture my attention and bring something fresh and new, I do believe so!
Even in the near future, Mars isn’t safe from us Earthlings travelling there to make a quick buck in Redline #1. Vantage Solutions is a corporate power that is attempting to secure their mining colonies. A bomb explodes and erases a city block on Harrison Station. Of course the media is blaming the local inhabitants, (the aliens) and Superintendent Coyle and his crew are on the scene. This sounds like the situation is being handled by the proper authorities, right? Well, not necessarily. Coyle is a rough around the edges kind of dude, who just happens to have a bad case of upset stomach and diarrhea during this important investigation. This guy had to do something incredible and selfless to get promoted, right? Who set off the bomb and why? The aliens strike with precision and at a safe enough distance for them not be seen. With what appears to be a nice plot twist teased towards the end of the issue, I think things are about to get even more interesting!
Redline #1 is an excellent start to this story. For me, it came across more like a prologue. We aren’t given a whole lot of backstory to Coyle’s outfit battling the aliens prior to the bombing. We really don’t get any backstory on the characters and I am actually fine with that. I usually prefer a little more in depth background in premiere issues but what Holman has done here really works for me. Holman is the reason why I wanted to check this book out to begin with. I am a huge Sealab 2021 fan and I wanted to see how he would tackle a story with this type of subject matter. Holman hits on all marks for me. I am a fan of his writing, his jokes, and in this issue he doesn’t disappoint. He takes these characters and makes them intriguing, even if its only them being rude momentarily.
McCormack and Fitzpatrick do a fantastic job with the artwork. Mars looks like what we are used to seeing, but the addition of the station buildings breathe life into a lifeless planet. But it isn’t lifeless! We catch a glimpse of the aliens and they are unique looking, I like it! The character detail and expressions are sharp. The colors are dark, gritty, and complete the tone of the story. It feels like we are looking at a different Mars and it is very refreshing.
The Verdict
Buy it! I am very funny when it comes to sci-fi stories. The description has to really capture my attention for me to read it. This story isn’t necessarily anything groundbreaking, but Holman’s writing is what makes Redline #1 stand out. I am all in for this series. I look forward to learning more about the characters, as well as the alien threat on Mars. If you are into sci-fi and Mars then I highly suggest you check this out. If you are like me and cautiously pick up stories like this, I think you should give it a shot. I bet it surprises you like it did me!
