Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Lobo #1
DC Comics
Bunn, Brown, Decastro & Pantazis
The first issue of Lobo is a strange mix of old and new. Rather than providing a tremendous amount of background on the character it sets up the plot but sprinkles in tidbits of his background. Strangely it adds in the old Lobo but provides little explanation as to their battle, background with each other or controversial origins. This leaves the book in a state of limbo that struggles to distance itself from the old while trying to plunge into the new. This comic is an acquired taste.
The book opens in bloody fashion. The new Lobo has won a battle with the old Lobo. The battle is not part of this book. All we see is the final couple of panels of dialogue. All this really serves to do for this comic is to let the reader know that Lobos are tough to kill, they hold grudges and the old Lobo is by far a more interesting character. Once the old Lobo is disposed of we get some self-reflection from the new Lobo.
Eventually, new Lobo is given an interesting assignment. He is a to hunt a number of assassins down. The reason is that the mark they are after is someone of importance that must be allowed to live. By keeping the target's identity a secret the comic book provides some level of teasing a larger story, which works in its favor. Of course, Lobo heads to Earth (where else?) to follow the assassins.
The comic book has the beginnings of something good but it doesn't build up what it needed. It should have given some information about the assassins that Lobo is hunting. The panel that they appear together is pretty cool but we learn literally nothing about them, which doesn't really put Lobo in any kind of danger. We know he will win and he probably won't even be tested.
Also, the book should have either left the old Lobo entirely out of it or explored how there are two and the battle that whittled them down to one. Coming into the book cold these opening scenes are very confusing and not very new reader friendly.
The artwork is good. The book is equal parts science fiction and over-the-top violent and the artwork gives you that and more. The comic book is simply not for the squeamish. The colors are bright and vibrant and that definitely keeps your eyes on the page. There are some panels where there are cut off limbs absent blood, which is strange but understandable in terms of the potential audience.
Lobo is an odd comic book. It's an odd concept. To be fair at least the creators are trying something a little different with this book. The next issue just needs to have a tighter, more meaningful construction but the ideas are in here somewhere.
2 out of 5 Geek Goggles
