Robot Overlord: It pains me greatly, Dear Reader, when comic companies like Bluewater Productions release a new series that clearly displays noncompliance to the Robot Overlords of the world, both today and in the future. The latest comic book adaptation of Logan’s Run arrives in stores next week, and even though I am deeply troubled by those who seek sanctuary from the technological army, I am non-the-less compelled to see what our two meat-bags make of this journey.
Previously, on Logan’s Run: In 1967, science fiction writers William F. Nolan (writer of “Who Goes There” which became the movie ‘The Thing’) and George Clayton Johnson (who wrote for Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, as well as being the creator of Ocean’s 11) combined their forces to create the story of a dystopian future, at a time when dystopian futures weren’t yet a dime a dozen. Their original story wasn’t precisely the same as the one that made it to theaters in 1976, but both stories share several defining characters and factors, and the basic upshot of it all is this: No one is allowed to live beyond the age of 21 (or 30), and if you try to run, if you violate the natural order, there are the Sandmen who will hunt you down and enforce the law. Logan is a Sandman, and this is his story…
Stephen: I think the summary pretty much tells the reader everything they need to know about the future that we’ll live in, if we allow technology take over our every day lives. Although in light of our own Robot Overlord lording over us, I think it is more appropriate to say that violating the natural order is a big no-no, no matter if you are reading the original novel or partaking in the Michael York fun that was Logan-5. I distinctly remember watching the movie time and time again as a youngster, but as I near an age well past Lastday, I only remember vague bits and pieces of the story from the movie.
Matthew: Oddly enough, Logan’s Run is one of those entertainments that keeps popping up for me. In ’76, I was just a kid, but I read the story and it imprinted on me. Even though I’ve never sat down to WATCH Logan’s Run the movie, I enjoyed Logan’s Run the television series (featuring Gregory “Gonzo Gates” Harrison as Logan) and have a soft spot in my heart for the original Marvel L.R. series. Right off the bat, this book throws us into familiar (for me) territory, with a runner panicking that his lifeclock has turned red, and Sandmen Logan-6 and Francis chasing him down. It’s interesting to see that Logan is disaffected and questioning his choices here, at one point saying “It’s all I know” when asked how he can stand the job of Sandman… There’s more of the novel than the (aguably) more recognizable film story here, and I rather like what they’ve done here.
Stephen: You are right on the mark with that one Matthew. Here we get to see Logan-6 (odd, since in the book he was Logan-3, and in the movie he is Logan-5) track down a runner (Doyle-10) and terminate him with extreme prejudice. From there we get a glimpse of how Logan -6 came to be, his upbringing, and a little bit of history of the future. Like the book before it, this is an extremely fast paced issue, and with all of the characters being thrown at the reader, it is best to give this one a second or third read – or at the very least slow down so the reveal that Logan is going undercover as a New You fabricated Doyle-10 isn’t lost on anyone. I think Paul Salamoff does an excellent job of adapting the source material, and for those who are uninitiated on Last Day or the rights of Carrousel (you’ll have to watch the movie, Matthew), then it is a great read.
Matthew: In art terms, this is very striking stuff. A segment with young Logan learning the trade of the Sandmen is wonderfully rendered, from the body language of the kids, to the architecture of Los Angeles in the Somethingth Century. I especially love the look on Logan’s face as he successfully completes his first kill, a disturbing moment that is our obvious harbinger of unpleasantness to come. The final panel of the issue also sticks in my head as some amazing work. My copy doesn’t have artist information, did the Robot Overlord get you more info?
Stephen: I was able to hack into a subroutine and sussed the information from one of its higher functioning circuit levels and did find that Daniel Gete did the art for this issue – and for the rest of the series as well. I echo your thoughts on the fantastic art, and if you had a chance to see the variant covers (Bluewater Productions only sent the A cover for the issue), then you’ll see some really great work there, too!
Matthew: I have to say, I’m not a Logan’s Run completist (although I do love George Perez’s work on the original, and the parody in the movie ‘Free Enterprise’ and I guess I DO know the difference between book and film versions, and recognize that the six types of shots in the Sandman’s gun is from the original work… Maybe I AM a secret completist?) but this series is impressive work. I’ve only been passing familiar with Bluewater comics, save for 10th Muse and the ‘Ray Harryhausen Presents’ series, but this is an impressive piece of work. We’ve got a compelling story and very good artwork… What else does one need out of a comic? Logan’s Run – Last Day #1 is worth breaking away from the Big Two superhero grind, earning a VERY impressive 4.5 out of 5 Stars overall… I love it when we get to discover something awesome.
Stephen: Something awesome this way comes? Yes, it may be ripping on another favorite author, but that is exactly what Logan’s Run is. I love it when the smaller publisher’s are able to land the rights to a series, and then nail the execution and delivery in comic book form. If readers like what other companies are doing with Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, or The Dark Tower series, then this is certainly a title you will want to add to your list. I enjoyed Logan’s Run – Last Day #1 so much, I’m giving it 4.5 out of 5 Stars as well.
FTC Disclaimer: This review is based on an electronic review copy sent by the publisher.