Image Comics reviews 2/8/23 – Monarch #1

Image kicks off a new title from some of the creative team of the smash hit Killadelphia with the arrival of Monarch. Check out the review now.

It’s too early to tell exactly what kind of comic Monarch will become. That’s not a bad thing as this debut issue offers plenty of interesting directions and viable paths it can take. Is it another post-apocalyptic drama focusing on kids? An alien invasion saga? Or all the above with a little Compton gang drama thrown in for good measure? Everything is on the table making for a fascinating read that opens up a world of possibilities.

Travon is a foster child who’s made the most of his opportunity to be housed with a family that cares for him. He’s got good friends at school and is a more than capable student. Of course, it’s not all roses for Travon, who’s got a nemesis in Zion, another foster child who is jealous of Travon’s situation. Rather than talk it out, Zion threatens Travon daily and on the occasions he gets lucky, he beats Travon bloody.

A typical day for Travon gets off to a weird start with the arrival of a massive sparkly cloud in the sky. The Compton residents don’t have long to ponder its significance as aliens wielding laser beams began slicing through the community.

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Travon and his friends, Daysha and Todd, have managed to survive for three weeks at school, but with resources running low they’ve got to take a desperate gamble to stay alive. But what about Zion?

Writer Rodney Barnes sets up some intriguing scenarios quickly. It’s impressive how many layers Barnes is able to add to an alien invasion story in such a brief period of time. Ditto for the characterization that nails the character’s personalities down quickly — even if some of the children’s voices — sound too adult.

Alex Lins’ art is somewhat rough with minimal backgrounds, but it flows easily enough and tells the story very effectively. Luis Nct’s colors are somewhat washed out giving a low-key subtle bleak mentality of the characters’ mindset after the invasion.

Monarch seems poised to be a compelling and unique read for sci-fi fans and for those seeking something different from their standard comic book norm.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics