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Review: ‘Gamma’ One-Shot

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11 years ago

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Previously split-up into 8-page installments, and featured in issues #18 through #20 of “Dark Horse Presents”, Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas’ “Gamma” (One-Shot) can now be enjoyed in full, uninterrupted splendor. With blatant nods to Pokémon, Power Rangers, and the under-appreciated kaiju universe of films, Farinas’ artwork ultimately carries the duo’s script to its wacky end, as it proves to be more visually interesting than the narrative.

WRITTEN BY: Ulises Farinas, Erick Freitas
ART BY: Ulises Farinas
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: July 24, 2013

“Gamma” follows a disgraced, ex-champion monster trainer named Dusty Keztchemal (get it?), who makes his masochistic living out of getting punched in the face, as a self-imposed punishment for abandoning his planet during a massive daikaiju epidemic and war. When a chance at redemption and sex with someone who isn’t his wife (or a prostitute) presents itself, Dusty attempts to overcome his meaningless life and re-establish himself as the best monster trainer in the world.

Co-writers Farinas and Freitas debut a protagonist who isn’t conventionally compelling in the slightest. He’s a pathetic, deadbeat coward, and a perverted adulterer when readers are introduced to him. Any ounce of sympathy felt for Dusty and his battered face quickly disappears as readers learn more about him and the reasons why he’s hit rock bottom. All in all, the man just isn’t particularly likeable.

The most interesting aspect of the one-shot is definitely Farinas kaiju elements. Buildings and structures are destroyed à la “Godzilla”, but Farinas also uses kaiju to aid Dusty and his soldiers in rescue missions to save cities and civilians. Certain characteristics of complex personalities are also demonstrated in these monsters; specifically in Sparky, Dusty’s “Pikachu”, if you will. A character that’s far more interesting than its master.

Farinas’ cover art is a creative explosion of all the strange creatures featured in the story; the colour scheme, and some of the kaiju designs on the cover, are debatably reminiscent of the style of art in the “Adventure Time” universe. It’s easy to see that the duo isn’t shy when paying homage to the characters, games, and TV shows they so clearly love. Nor do they hold back when poking fun at the ridiculousness behind some of the concepts presented in these programs. For instance, when Dusty battles against another monster trainer, it’s such a refreshing improvement on the traditional Pokémon battles fans are used to. All trained monsters come out to fight and the results are delightfully gnarly.

Overall, while the art, particularly in terms of Farinas’ kaiju, is charming, the script just doesn’t live up to the genres and popular culture references it’s trying to emulate. As a one-shot, it’s forgivable, and even interesting in parts; but as an expanded upon universe? Not sure it’ll do well.

2.5/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – ShadowJayd

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Comics

‘Witchblade’ is Getting Resurrected This Summer in New Comic Series from Top Cow and Image Comics

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24 hours ago

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April 18, 2024

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Witchblade cover

Witchblade, the popular comic series that initially ran from 1995 to 2015 and launched a TV series, is getting resurrected in a new comic series from Top Cow and Image Comics. It’s set to unleash heavy metal, black magic and blood this summer.

Look for the new Witchblade series to launch on July 17, 2024.

In Witchblade #1, “New York City Police Detective Sara Pezzini’s life was forever fractured by her father’s murder. Cold, cunning, and hellbent on revenge, Sara now stalks a vicious criminal cabal beneath the city, where an ancient power collides and transforms her into something wild, magnificent, and beyond her darkest imaginings. How will Sara use this ancient power, or will she be consumed by it?”

The series is penned by NYT Best-Selling writer Marguerite Bennett (Animosity, Batwoman, DC Bombshells) and visualized by artist Giuseppe Cafaro (Suicide Squad, Power Rangers, Red Sonja). The creative duo is working with original co-creator Marc Silvestri, who is the CEO of Top Cow Productions Inc. and one of the founders of Image Comics. They are set to reintroduce the series to Witchblade’s enduring fans with “a reimagined origin with contemporary takes on familiar characters and new story arcs that will hook new readers and rekindle the energy and excitement that fueled the 90’s Image Revolution that shaped generations of top creators.”

Bennett said in a statement, “The ability to tell a ferocious story full of monsters, sexuality, vision, and history was irresistible.” She adds, “Our saga is sleek, vicious, ferocious, and has a lot to say about power in the 21st century and will be the first time that we are stopping the roller coaster to let more people on. I’ve loved Witchblade since I was a child, and there is truly no other heroine like Sara with such an iconic legacy and such a rich, brutal relationship to her own body.”

“The Witchblade universe is being modernized to reflect how Marguerite beautifully explores the extreme sides of Sara through memories, her personal thoughts, like desire and hunger, in her solitude and when she is possessed by the Witchblade. So, I had to visually intersect a noir True Detective-like world with a supernatural, horror world that is a fantastic mix between Berserk and Zodiac,” Cafaro stated.

Marc Silvestri notes, “This is brand new mythology around Sara, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with her and all the twists and turns. Discover Witchblade reimagined this summer, and join us as we bring all the fun of the 90s to the modern age and see how exciting comics can be. I can’t wait for you to read this new series.”

Witchblade#1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 17th, for $4.99 for 48 pages. And it’ll come with multiple cover variants.

  • Cover A: Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto (Full Color)

  • Cover B: Giuseppe Cafaro and Arif Prianto (Full Color)

  • Cover C: Blank Sketch Cover

  • Cover D (1/10): Dani and Brad Simpson (Full Color)

  • Cover E (1/25): Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto, Virgin Cover (Full Color)

  • Cover F (1/50): J.Scott Campbell (Full Color)

  • Cover G (1/100): Bill Sienkiewicz. (Full Color)

  • Cover H (1/250): Line art by Marc. Virgin Cover, Inks (B/W)

Witchblade #1 will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Witchblade comic panel Witchblade #1 cover image

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