Days Missing #1 review

I was compelled to buy Achaia’s premiere issue of Days Missing for several reasons. First, it costs less than a dollar; bargains are always a plus. Its tagged with “Roddenberry Presents” so I thought it would be an interesting sci-fi story. The cover and back were sharp and the concept seemed original. Was it worth a buck? Buck, no!

Comic industry veterans Phil Hester and Frazer Irving should be ashamed. Hester’s script just falls flat. I was interested by the concept but bored by the poor execution. The story is about a mysterious figure who intercedes on behalf of humanity to keep us from extinction. This white haired, crazed eyed hippie has been around since earth’s creation and has been waiting for humans so he could hang out with someone similar to him. The issue begins with a viral epedemic that could destroy the earth’s population. The cosmic hippie lends his hippie hands and once again humanity is saved from annihilation. The pages are littered with too much unnecessary back-story and the pace is deathly slow.

Artist Frazer Irving’s skills are uncharacteristically poor and sloppy. I think Irving realized that the story sucked and just drew these panels in a drunken stupor. Large black lines outline every character, giving them a cookie cutter appearance. The bland cast is drawn just as they are written – boring.

I will never have the dollar I spent on this drivel back or the 10 minutes it took me to read this. Take a pass on Days Missing.

1 out of 5

Berserker #3 review

With only three issues into the series, Berserker is a blast of violent pleasure with deepening, intriguing plot. So often a new series with great promise begins to fizzle with lack of direction and staying power; Berserker is proving to be fun premise that is building a mature plotline. Like good cheese, this read is getting better with time.

Artist Jeremy Haun quickly set his signature mark on this series with his uber-violent gore fest of entrails and easy-to-tear appendages. Successfully conveying the berserkers’ brutality is essential for the success of this read and Haun bloody nails it.

Author Rick Loverd kicks the plot into high gear as he layers a deepening mystery atop of these blood stained pages. The berserkers Farris Jorn and Aaron Bural are quickly learning that they are not alone in their condition. Loverd gives the story a mature depth and leave you wanting more.

Loverd and Haun are the dynamic duo of mature gore and a wicked story. I am more impressed with each issue. This is one of the best new comics in a long time.

4.5 out of 5