Although most of my reading pile goes back 10 years or so, I do often pull books “forward” if I’m sufficiently interested. This review is for such a book, especially because I wanted to alert you to it before it disappears off the shelves.
Today’s book, The Wrong Earth #1, comes from a new company called Ahoy Comics. If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking, “Another new publisher in today’s crowded market?”, but maybe we should give these guys a chance, as they’ve set sail with a number of quality creators we don’t see often enough.
The Wrong Earth is written by Tom Peyer, co-creator of one of my very favorite series, DC’s Hourman (Trust me, if you haven’t read it, do so!). Tom used to do a lot of work with fellow writers like Mark Waid and Grant Morrison; he never quite ascended to their level of popularity, but he always delivered solid stories. Admittedly, I’m predisposed to like his work – and I do here as well. The art is by Jamal Igle (from DC’s Firestorm), another somewhat unsung but excellent penciller. Here he does a very nice job of world(s)-building.
The story centers around a parallel Earth premise where 2 superbeings – one a hero, and his doppleganger, a villain – trade places. Obviously this isn’t a new scenario, but the fun is in how it’s handled and how it diverts from what you might expect. I don’t want to spoil it, so let’s just say it’s very well done, different enough to be interesting, and I definitely want to see what’s going to happen next.
The book also contains some back-up features:
- A Golden Age style story featuring “Stinger” (the main hero’s sidekick). Perhaps inconsequential, but fun.
- A prose story – or more aptly stated, a segment of a prose story – by Grant Morrison. I love much of his work, but sometimes – often in his creator-owned output – he is too far out even for me. This is one of those cases so far. I have no idea what this story is about or where it’s going. Perhaps it will become clearer in the future.
- A one-page “Too Much Coffee Man” cartoon by Shannon Wheeler. Strange as it may seem, this was my introduction to his work. Okay, I guess, but I’m not sure why this was (is?) so popular.
- Bios / articles about Ahoy, Peyer and fellow Ahoy writer (and former fellow Vertigo editor and writer) Stuart Moore. Informative and entertaining.
The Wrong Earth #1 is a very well done package, with quality work by talented creators. In an era where the last thing I’m looking for is an addition to my pull list, I do plan to buy the next issue. I suggest you give it a try!
Rating: 4
Comic Critique 