Review - Firefly #1 (@boomstudios)


"Hey, Wash...sorry to trouble you...but is that engine on fire?"

Firefly is one of those things that's beloved by its fans--mostly because it was on so briefly and developed a cult following. The property continues to spawn side-stories and other things that further explore the universe, including Firefly #1 from BOOM! Studios. The issue is written by Greg Pak, illustrated by Dan McDaid, colored by Marcelo Costa and lettered by Jim Campbell.

Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds, a defeated soldier who opposed the unification of the planets by the totalitarian governed Alliance, will undertake any job-legal or not-to stay afloat and keep his crew fed. Find out now how his story began as BOOM! Studios delves into Malfs past, how he met his first mate Zoe and the real truth about the War of Unification, the intergalactic civil war that divided friend and family alike.

Pak definitely knows what Firefly fans are looking for in the first issue, jumping right into a predicament that allows each of the main characters to show off their respective personalities. Pak excels at the banter amongst the crew, really nailing the exchanges through snappy dialogue that feels as if the actors themselves are reading the lines. From there though, the issue delves into sidequest territory and Pak spins the issue as essentially an episode of the series. That's not necessarily a bad thing as Pak evokes memories of the War of Unification as a means of further explaining why Mal and Zoe are who they are in the present. There's also the promise of a new big bad by the end of the issue that might be a bit more existential than some of the other opponents the Firefly crew have squared off against.

McDaid's linework is a bit rugged in its presentation and fits the atmosphere of the book well. Like the dialogue matches the personalities, McDaid gives each character a look that makes them easily recognizable from their on-screen counterparts and helps further the reader's understanding of what makes them tick. The arrangement of the panels feels sufficiently chaotic and mirrors what is generally just a Tuesday for the crew in terms of lurching from one blow-up to the next. Despite the dizzying array of panel designs, McDaid doesn't let any of the pages feel too crowded though. Costa's colors are multiple shades of brown for much of the issue, propping up the desert environment on the planet as well as the Browncoat nature of the characters.

Firefly #1 doesn't exactly tread new ground, but what it does retread will be welcome to fans of the series. The Firefly crew is thrust into another situation where they want to do the right thing, but it won't be easy. Pak's script is fast-moving and quick-witted in way that's fun to read. McDaid has a great understanding of the property as well and illustrates the action in a way that perfectly complements what Pak is going for. Firefly #1 is a lot of fun as an issue and a great start to a new series at its new home.

Firefly #1 is available now.

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