Half of the brain behind MonkeyBrain Comics is Chris Roberson, who is also the writer for Edison Rex. Will Rex come roaring out of the gate or start flinging monkey poo? Your Major Spoilers review is after the jump!
Edison Rex #1
Writer: Chris Roberson
Artists: Dennis Culver
Colorist: Stephen Downer
Letterer: John J. Hill
Editor: Allison Baker
Design: Dylan Todd
Publisher: MoneyBrain Comics
Cover Price: $0.99
Previously in Edison Rex: In 2007, comiXology emerged on the scene and began establishing itself as the place for all of your digital comics needs. Since that time a number of tablet computers, most notably the iPad, have hit the market increasing the viability of digitally stored comics. Now it’s 2012 and comiXology is the premiere provider of digital comics, so when looking for an exclusive distributor MonkeyBrain’s choice was simple. And now, Edison Rex…
THE FINAL SHOWDOWN
With an issue title of “The Final Showdown” for the start of a series, especially one with a criminal main character, you can generally expect two story elements: 1) Flash-backs and 2) Something unexpected. With this first issue of Edison Rex we are presented with a small dash of both.
Edison Rex is certifiable genius that shifted from the right side of the law to the dark side due to a chip on his shoulder from the super-powered Valiant. Rex had plans to use his brains to change the world forever, but that stopped when he was rescued from his crashing rocket by Valiant. While the two enemies are recapping their sordid past walking through Rex’s secret headquarters, the connection to both characters is already forming five pages in. This attachment continues to strengthen when Rex starts spilling to Valiant exactly where how he came to be with his super-human abilities.
As the story hits its climax and the pages neared running out is when I was left slightly disappointed in the outcome. The buildup for the completion of Rex’s final plan was so well executed, by author and character alike, that when the overall outcome was shattered by an unfinished sentence, I too was left in dissatisfied pieces.
SUBTLE IS THE NAME OF THE GAME
Remember how I just said the ending of Edison Rex left me wanting more? Well that was completely true on my first read through, but upon going back for a second and third read, while focusing on the art, has made me appreciate the ending more. Knowing how the issue finishes off, looking at the facial expressions closer, appreciating the framing more, and noticing the subtle shifts in orientation does create more of a emotionally satisfying ending. I tip my hat to you Dennis Culver.
BOTTOM LINE: READ MORE THAN ONCE
My recommendation to read the issue more than once isn’t necessarily because it is an out-of-this-world inaugural issue, but because after every reread I have appreciated the ending more. The entire lead up always had me engaged and attached to the characters, and the fact the issue accomplished that in under 16 pages is a feat in itself. While I’m only giving this issue a 3 out of 5, I’m looking forward to strong outings in the future. I say go download Edison Rex #1 now, and with a price of only $0.99, what’s the risk?
[rating: 3/5]