Ballistic #1 Review
Writing: Adam Egypt Mortimer
Art: Darick Robertson
Review by Melissa Megan
From the vaults of recently formed Black Mask Studios comes an exciting new five issue series called Ballistic. This book is the return to comic book sci fi by artist Darick Robertson who created the insanely detailed and just insane visuals for the critically acclaimed Transmetropolitan. Writer Adam Egypt Mortimer brings a variety of skills to the table with his background in video direction, screenplay and cartoon writing. Now that you understand what we’re working with, let’s move on to the good stuff!
Repo City State is a future city where the technology has a mind of it’s own. Everything is alive and everything has attitude. Butch is a skilled air conditioning repair man with dreams of becoming a big time criminal boss. Along with his best friend, a drug loving, generally pissed off gun named Bang Bang, Butch sets out to start his new career by failing a bank robbery miserably. This is the story of Butch and Bang Bang, two cocky, disillusioned guys (sort of) struggling to find their place in a mad world of technology and indulgence.
Issue #1 is a great introduction to this absolutely bat shit crazy story. We get some understanding of the intimate but toxic relationship between Butch and his gun. I suspect there’s more to learn about who Butch is and why, but this issue proves he’s an interesting character with some charming flaws. Ok, maybe it’s more pity for his self destructive tendencies, but I find the slightly broken characters more fun. This story can’t go anywhere but awesome, judging by this start. If you read Transmetropolitan (who hasn’t?), it’s tough not to draw comparisons with the distinctive artwork of Darick Robertson splayed across the pages. I hope Ballistic maintains this level of exhilarating debauchery and terrific eye candy.
Verdict: Ballistic is one of the most promising new series being written right now and everyone should most definitely be picking this up. Kick ass, party time adventure with a sharp edge rarely seen in comics today. It will smash your face with creative awesome.
