The problem with reviewing Skybourne is that for some people they’re going to take it as me reviewing Frank Cho himself. Which is unfortunate because I just want to make jokes about how this comic was never that good, to begin with, and that if you were waiting for this issue, you’re probably surprised that it arrived in 2018 instead of 2020.
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I’m sure there are people out there not even giving this book a chance because it’s Frank Cho and blah, blah, comic drama, blah, blah variant covers, blah, blah spider butt. If I completely disagreed with his stance I probably wouldn’t review this series at all, but I have a lengthy opinion on the state of comic fandom, and it’s not going to fit in this review. My point for bringing all this up is that if you thought Frank Cho was just going to be illustrating boobs and butts in this comic, you are most definitely wrong.
Read MoreDid you hear the one about the Catholic priest and the immortal guy? Me either. Could have gone without ever hearing about them. Issue 2 of Skyborne begins with a Catholic priest climbing the steps to what looks like some kind of Tibetan temple. Some monks answer the door, and the priest asks if they received the case of Merlot he sent. This sounds like the setup to a lame joke. The monks let him in, and he asks where 'he' is, and they point to a man carrying a huge boulder. The priest approaches him and they exchange harsh words, all the while the young man is breaking this boulder apart by punching it, which is pretty cool. Just when it seems the two will start fighting, they burst into laughter. They are old friends from long ago. The young man (Thomas) explains that they are repairing the wall as it was damaged in a storm not long ago. The priest then tells Thomas why he's there.
Read MoreI think Skybourne exists because Frank Cho wanted to draw an issue-long action scene. Said fight is extremely graphic and brutal, typically involving this issue's lead shoving her hand through men's torsos. I'll leave the Freudian analysis to those who can be bothered to care. I will, however, note the glee with which Cho renders his violence. He doesn't bury the action; that much is evident within a few pages of Skybourne. So, if you're into almost comically flippant brutality, you'll get a grin out of this issue's pages.
As well-illustrated as this issue is, there just isn't much else to Skybourne #1 beyond its looks. The premise (so sparsely developed that I won't get into it here) is delivered in three panels on the first page, yet none of it is expanded upon throughout the book. The entirety of this issue feels like the first third of an issue. By the final page, you're left expecting at least one more scene if only to give any meaning to the violence you just witnessed.
Taken for what it is rather than by what it seems to be missing, Skybourne is good fun. Cho is obviously bringing his illustration talents to the table. The writing isn't especially bad. But I just don't care about anyone here. The issue presents you with someone who is, as far as can be gathered through context, just a very gifted murderer. And you're expected to have any attachment to her because she's the star.
For all its exquisitely vibrant and vicious violence, there isn't much to say about this issue. I can't really recommend the first issue on its own unless you're particularly fond of Cho's art... or of fisting.
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Skybourne #1 Writer/Artist: Frank Cho Colorist: Marcio Menyz Publisher: BOOM! Studios Price: $3.99 Format: Mini-series; Print/Digital
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Have you been on the internet this week? Yeah comics are booming as we're just a week away from Comic Con. We have a new titles from Dark Horse, BOOM! Studios, DC and Vertigo to talk about. Frank Cho is back in the news spotlight after walking off of variant cover duties for Wonder Woman. The Power Rangers have been revealed and China isn't afraid of ghosts, so they don't need the new Ghostbusters movie. Oh and Pokemon GO is discussed, but we're not going to bore you by summing up what it is and that lame shit. Books reviewed on this episode: