Review - EGOs #1


"Some people just come with expiration dates."

Things gets weird in space. The setting offers a wide variety of heroes and villains, both of whom have a penchant for wanting to preserve their own well-being. Sometimes though, you have to look to the past in order to save your future and Image Comics does that in EGOs #1. The issue is written by Stuart Moore, illustrated by Gus Storms and lettered by Rob Steen.

The Earth/Galactic Operatives (EGOs) are intergalactic superheroes going through something of an identity crisis. Deuce is the leader is keen on creating a new group to replace the old group, the members of which disbanded and went their separate ways. Now, in the face of the return of an old nemesis, the new team must unite to save the day yet again. This, of course, puts Deuce at odds with his wife Miri, another former hero who's been with Deuce through thick and thin. The latest endeavor may test her patience and resolve to remain married to him.

Moore has essentially taken the standard first issue format and thrown it out the window. He introduces so many different characters, plot threads and storylines, all of which seem to point towards a conflict with Masse. What's amusing is that the narration is a little tongue-in-cheek and a little surreal as Moore uses the characters to capitalize on geek tropes (big bad for instance). There's a lot to take in and Moore asks equally as much of the reader, but the payoff can be great if you stick with it. Deuce is someone clinging to a heroic past by trying to offer up a revised future, something which is a sticking point for his current way of life.

Storms' art is a throwback to illustration styles of the past. Characters appear to be amorphous beings with relatively little in the way of defining or distinguishing features. The panel layouts are pretty standard, with a few insets smattered throughout to keep things fresh. Action sequences are illustrated fairly statically, but a lot of the action is likely being saved for future issues. Storms does some really solid work with facial expressions, primarily doing a lot with anger and fear.

EGOs #1 is a very ambitious book. Moore starts a myriad of different storylines and throws a slew of characters at the reader all at once. If you can keep up and are willing to invest the time, EGOs #1 could be a really strong story. The art is rife with bright colors and the characters effectively convey the action being written about. Superhero stories always seem to be en vogue and offering up one that blends in some of the more human aspects is always a big hit with readers. EGOs #1 is gearing up to be something that requires total commitment on the part of the reader, but the reward will be well worth it.

EGOs #1 is in stores now with interiors below.






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