One of the most anticipated stories of the year is without a shadow of a doubt IDW Publishing’s resurrection of the “JURASSIC PARK” franchise with, “JURASSIC PARK: REDEMPTION”. The all new series written by Bob Schreck and illustrated by Nate Van Dyke celebrates the release of its inaugural issue today, and inside you can get a full 6 page preview of the title that is on sale as we speak. With that said can you really think of a better choice for our “Pick Of The Week”? I didn’t think so. Read on for the skinny!

WRITTEN BY: Bob Schreck
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Nate Van Dyke
COVERS BY: Tom Yeates and Frank Miller

“It’s been 13 years since little Tim and Lex Murphy escaped from the island of Isla Sorna, and recent public opinion has reversed, with the world clamoring for authorities to re-open Jurassic Park! With the help of their controversial Granddad’s inheritance and their own sharp wits, a secret deal is struck to open a new park! This time they’ll get it right… right?”

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

It has been nearly 17 years now since Steven Spielberg wowed the entire world with the first film in what would become a blockbuster franchise down the line, spawning 2 sequels, video games, and now almost 2 decades later, a comic book series. I am, of course, referring to “JURASSIC PARK”, the thrilling film that was based upon the 1990 novel by Michael Crichton.

Earlier this year when I brought you the breaking news of publisher IDW’s plans to bring the series to the illustrated format the news was recieved with mixed feelings. The hardcore fans seem to be all for stepping through those iconic gates once more, no matter how they have to do it. Others, possibly even more hardcore than the others, refuse to accept anything that isn’t a fourth motion picture. As someone who remembers being in awe of all three films, sitting in a theater seat with his parents at 6 years old, and being scared to death of the Tyrannosaurs Rex for the first time, I can honestly say that I am part of the former and not the ladder.

“REDEMPTION” marks the return of Tim and Lex Murphy from the original “JURASSIC PARK” film, and the events of the story take place some 13 years after the events of the first film. The siblings find themselves deciding to reopen the park using their grandfathers money that he left to them as an inheritence. From there you can imagine the events that will ensue. But if you don’t want spoilers skip the next line…Ready? Okay, here I go…

Things don’t go as planned!

End Spoilers.

Phew, okay, welcome back. Aside from the story itself that is surprisingly intriguing for a comic book spin-off of a film, you also get all of this presented to you by the awesome Nate Van Dyke on pencils. The illustrator has worked with everyone from Top Cow, to X-Box, to Activision, and seemingly everyone in between. The artist has stressed that he comes from a background of being a fan himself, and judging from the artwork in the pages we have seen so far, he is definitely doing things right.

Throw in the participation of the veteran Bob Schreck (“BATMAN”, “ALL STAR”) and it is hard to argue that this is one reopening that you won’t want to pass up. The franchise couldn’t be in better hands than those of Schreck, Van Dyke, and IDW Publishing, so all hard feelings toward Hollywood aside, I would definitely recommend that you give “JURASSIC PARK: REDEMPTION” a shot. Who knows, you might just find yourself enjoying the ride once again.

“JURASSIC PARK: REDEMPTION” Issue #1 Is Available NOW From IDW Publishing! (MSRP-$3.99)