Image Comics reviews 8/12/26 – Transformers 35, GI Joe RAH 331

The Trillion Dollar Kid 2

The Ghost Machine imprint creators have a smart strategy for releasing titles to ensure they’re not flooding the market with an onslaught of product. That’s why The Trillion Dollar Kid is just a brief two-issue mini-series to kick off the Unbelievables line of titles instead of an ongoing series.

This issue, written by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi, wraps up the crossover with The Rocketfellers and Hornsby & Halo. In The Rocketfellers’ chapter, Tommy’s robot bodyguard, Sterling, got infected with a virus caused when he linked up with the Rocketfellers’ future tech. With Zach and Rose of Hornsby & Halo and Richie Rocketfeller focused on saving Sterling while Rodney Rocketfeller is intent on stopping Sterling from starting the Robot War decades earlier, Tommy has to think quick to protect the only family he’s got left.

Johns and Tomasi are experts at navigating large ensembles and have no problem juggling two establishes titles while telling the story through Tommy’s perspective. At times, Stefano Simeone’s art is a little disorienting, but Simeone has a slew of characters that he hasn’t been regularly drawing to tackle. The majority of Simeone’s pages provide a unique style than has been the norm for The Rocketfellers and Hornsby & Halo to really make this crossover event feel special. Rob Leigh’s lettering is clean and complements Simeone’s art well with the necessary heavy dialogue.

As the issue ends on a satisfying note setting up The Unbelievables brand with a welcome shared new focus. Tommy settles into the role as a unifying presence who could pop up at any time. Not too coincidentally a larger threat is also established that could be a constant threat for any of The Unbelievables series.  With The Unvelievables brand set for a significant expansion, now is a great time to jump on board and enjoy another shared universe within the Ghost Machine imprint.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics