Review - Oblivion #1 (@ActionLabDanger)


"I shoulda chosen a more 'economic downturn safe' profession."

The space opera always seems to have a certain sense of wonder and excitement that always makes for a good story. The crux of the story typically revolves around some sort of outlaw making their way through space and contending with obstacles. Sometimes those obstacles are outlaw parents as in Oblivion #1 from Action Lab Danger Zone. The issue is written by Tim Seeley, illustrated by Romnia Moranelli, colored by Marcelo Costa and lettered by Dave Dwonch.

A sequel to the acclaimed Full Moon space western that introduced the world to "cowboys and aliens!" The backwater planet Oblivion has fallen on hard times, but everything's about to get harder for Marshall Zack Stone with the arrival of Lyz Azorr, the daughter of notorious outlaw, RED EYE!

Seeley doesn't waste any time in Oblivion #1, introducing the reader to the planet Oblivion and its cast of colorful characters. The introductions are very brief, however, as Seeley instead dives right into the story and brings the reader into the deep end with him. Oblivion #1 throws a lot in the way of characters and action at the reader at once in a way that's a little jarring at times. The pacing of the issue suffers in this regard a bit as the plot feels a little disconnected at times and is made worse by the cast of characters growing by the page. Seeley's dialogue does an admirable job though of giving each character depth and starting to lay the groundwork for their interaction.

The artistic approach in Oblivion #1 defines characters with strong, sharp outlines. Moranelli does a great job of giving each character a personal flair in terms of their appearance that fits the atmosphere that the book is going for. Oblivion is rendered as a near-desolate town in the middle of the wild west and the settings boast the isolation of the planet. The panels are stacked very neatly and Moranelli could've capitalized on panels that are a bit more diverse in their arrangement to match the frenetic energy of the issue. Costa provides colors that feel dusty and worn--both traits appropriate for the setting.

Oblivion #1 is a very fast-moving issue that doesn't look back. Lyz Azorr is in over her head and her dynamic with Marshall Zack Stone will make for a fun story. Seeley's script is entertaining and moves along very, very briskly. Moranelli's illustrations maintain a western flair that provides plenty of atmosphere for the book to proceed. Oblivion #1 is an homage to spaghetti westerns with a space flair for good measure.

Oblivion #1 is in stores now.

Comments