Review - Agent 1.22 #1


"I have so much more to give."

There's an inevitability to the future that we'll have robots. These robots will either help or hurt us and some of them will even become capable soldiers and spies. Agent 1.22 in the aptly named Agent 1.22 #1 is one of those robots. The issue is written by Stephan Nilson, illustrated by Doug Shuler and lettered by Charles Pritchett.

Agent 1.22 goes to Phobos to retrieve Project Vulcan from an outpost ravaged by the Tempest Virus. While there she must choose between the mission and a man.

Nilson's script is packed with plenty of dialogue that lends itself well to a science-fiction story. There are pretty standard players throughout and Agent 1.22 is characterized more by her actions and less by her words. The other characters speak with an emphasis on the emotion behind their words--it's as if Nilson was worried something like sarcasm wouldn't come through with the dialogue alone. Nilson infuses much of the dialogue with examples of over-explaining things in a way that ensures the reader picks up on the nuances of the conversations. The larger story is pretty interesting though despite some of the dialogue issues as Nilson has a larger universe in mind that he's working towards.

Shuler relies on a CGI look for the artwork that gives the book more of a video game feel. All of the characters look relatively clean in this style and Shuler manages to make the panels work as if they're freeze-frames from a longer movie. Because of the art style though, there are also moments where characters look very rigid and unnatural, perhaps owing to the uncanny valley. And while most of Shuler's perspectives are sound, there are a few panels that feel a little gratuitous in how they showcase Agent 1.22's physique. The colors are futuristic and finish the artwork off with a sheen as well.

Agent 1.22 #1 is an homage to science-fiction tales of the past. Agent 1.22 is an efficient agent capable of holding her own regardless of the opponents. Nilson's plot is straightforward and features a good mix of narrative and action. Shuler's artwork is very heavy on the CGI component and lends itself well to the atmosphere. Agent 1.22 #1 will definitely appeal to readers looking for a good comic set in space.

Agent 1.22 #1 is available now.

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