The first issue deals with the sudden arrival of the main character Silas on the titular Planetoid.
The mark of a good-storyteller is the ability to build a rich world seemingly with little effort. Whilst there have, so far, only been two issues of Planetoid, there is more than enough evidence to suggest this is a skill Ken Garing does not lack.
The planetoid surface is covered in all manner of metallic debris pulled in by the bizarre radiation, making the whole place look like a scrap yard.
As a fan of science fiction in a number of guises it was the simple, though somewhat common, premise that piqued my interest about this book and, within a few pages, I was hooked. The first issue deals with the sudden arrival of the main character Silas on the titular Planetoid, a minor planet, or planetoid, with a strange electromagnetic radiation, which causes his ship to crash land. The planetoid surface is covered in all manner of metallic debris pulled in by the bizarre radiation, making the whole place look like a scrap yard. Here Garing’s artwork shines. With a number of pages containing no dialogue it allows Garing’s art to build a truly atmospheric world even if it isn’t an overly colourful one. His artwork is such a delight that it’s a shame there is only thirty-two pages of it. Silas is not alone in this world as he has Ricter, his Interactive Analytical Assistant, a computer program that can give him readings on his surroundings and his supplies, included in which is an unexplained gun, with whom he has relationship that supplies the books humour. With Ricter’s help Silas traverses the world in an effort to find a way off. However, after an encounter with a sizeable robot infected with a rouge A.I., he meets his first human inhabitant of this planet, Mendel. It is through a conversation with Mendel that Garing reveals his fantastic ability to tease. We learn a little of Silas’ past, which is somewhat Firefly-esque, which is no bad thing, a fraction of the history of the Planetoid, of a human civilisation in this junkyard and that there is little hope of escape from the planet, for no-one who has crashed landed there has found a way to do so. It is difficult to pick which of these is the more intriguing concept, which is the thread with the most potential. I cannot remember a time when I was as eager to see the story continue. Thankfully, Garing does not disappoint.
The second issue introduces more A.I. infected robots which vary from one to another, showcasing a range in brutal killing techniques.
The second issue continues this intrigue, raising more questions than it answers. It introduces more A.I. infected robots which vary from one to another, showcasing a range in brutal killing techniques, and makes you wonder how many robot designs Garing has up his sleeve and makes me eager for yet more of his artwork. As Silas heads towards the planets ‘civilisation’ we learn what necessary steps are needed to survive this harsh world. We also meet two characters I imagine may become important, especially considering they grace the front cover, and learn more of both their pasts and more of the planetoids itself, especially the, as yet unseen, all powerful Ono Mao who seem to have ‘oppressive empire’ written all over them, from what little is learnt. Ending with an impressive display of heroism on Silas part, and considering the reward bestowed upon him, the story seems to be headed in a direction I did not expect, but could very easily go anywhere.
Planetoid is easily the finest new comic-book I have read this year, and considering this year’s output that is a sizeable accolade. It is the first I read in the weeks I pick up the new issue and I would find it difficult to believe that others who read it do not feel likewise. If you, in any way, are a fan of science fiction, I heartily recommend getting Planetoid. I have no difficulty believing that a series with such great artwork and potential will become big on merit alone and I really hope something becomes of Planetoid. Whether it does or not, however, I am certain I shall be with it every step of the way. I can think of no greater recommendation.
You can follow Thomas on Twitter at @FacetiousBeard
Posted on August 7th, 2012
Category: REVIEWS, WITH A GREAT BEARD COMES...
Tags: Comic Reviews, Image Comics, Ken Garing, Planetoid #1 review, Planetoid #2 review, Thomas Ian Crisp, With a great beard comes