Avengelyne is a weak concept very similar to the one behind Spawn that was launched back in the 1990s around the same time. Creator Rob Liefeld steps aside for the relaunch, proffering only a cover (sans feet), but the creative team of Mark Poulton and Owen Gieni do more than just pick-up where the series left-off.
Avengelyne #1 is one of those comics I admit I cringed to review, but I was more than pleasantly surprised! It is actually a good read with truly stunning artwork. There are flaws, to be sure, but Poulton does an outstanding job given the flimsy premise. I was most impressed with the characterization of the lead (Heaven Starr) who actually doesn't appear in the comic, except in physical form. The name and concept is pure cheese, but Poulton manages to scrape together a believable character - doubly so, for my money (I got it free for review) because, again, she doesn't actually appear in the comic.
I've never heard of Owen Gieni, but I imagine I'll be hearing a lot more about, and from, him in the future. Gieni's work is firmly rooted in the Image style, but he veers from the established cross-hatchery to give clean lines, empty spaces, and solid backgrounds. Gieni colored his own work, which may have made all the difference, but it's plain to see that he is a talent to watch.
All said, Avengelyne #1 is definitely worth picking-up and ends with a great cliffhanger. Were it not for the inflated price of comic books today, this is actually a title I'd follow for at least the first few issues.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
A rambling melange of pop-culture.
2 comments:
Thanks for the great review. Really appreciate it. Wait til you see what we have in store. Next issue I think is much stronger, and so is the issue after that. We really want to make a book that looks and feels unique while capturing all the fun elements of 90's comics. Would love to hear your thoughts on future issues. Thanks.
--Owen
No problem! If you read some of the other reviews, you'll notice I calls 'em likes I sees 'em -- it really is a good issue and I am interested in seeing how it plays-out. Say something to Sarah about offering later issues for preview and I'll definitely check them out!
Also, thank you for replying and keep up the great work!
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