My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Rebellion- 2000 AD for an advance copy of this science fiction graphic novel.
Growing up as a loyal foot soldier for both Marvel and DC comics, those occasional glimpses of different comics, ones that were in larger books, or magazines or in languages I couldn't read was always well alien. Métal hurlant much more so than its American cousin was crazy odd, the stories were hyper- violent, the plots tended to roam free, they were sexy, bright and weirdly illustrated, alien in every way. Reading Proteus Vex: Another Dawn, written by Michael Carroll, illustrated by Henry Flint and Jake Lynch, reminded me of those days.
Proteus Vex is an agent for the Imperium Ascendent the winners in a galactic war that lasted over fourteen centuries, which destroyed planets, systems, and species in the billions. Vex has been tasked with a mission to track down a superior officer who has disappeared, something that should be impossible. As he investigates, Vex finds new truths, many lies, new allies and doubts about what he does and who he is.
The art is straight from Métal hurlant. Oddly shaped creatures, cube space ships, super violent battles, spears with lasers and planets destroyed left with the flip of a page. Big over the top and super bright. The story is ok. The plot kind of meanders, keeping track of some of the races and loyalties can be a bit difficult, though no one looks alike, actions repeat a few times. However it is all fun. Vex is an interesting character, his design is eye catching and he does stand out, as does his allies who are funny, touching in some ways, and fantastically psychopathic.
Big bold science fiction with a 1970's kind of feel. Not for all readers, the art might be more of acquired taste, but a lot of fun. The story once started never stops moving, and every page offers either a surprise, a what the heck is that, or that must have taken a while to draw. Lots of fun.