[Comic Book Review] PORTAL BOUND #0 from Aspen Comics

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[Comic Book Review] PORTAL BOUND #0 from Aspen Comics

Joshua Winchester

February 7, 2018

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PopCultHQ received a review copy of PORTAL BOUND #0 from Aspen Comics. Available this Wednesday, February 7th on New Comic Book Day, the creative team for this series features writing from Mark Roslan and Gabe Carrasco, illustrations by Alex Arizmendi, with colors by Wes Hartman, and lettered by Zen of HCMP.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of the NCBD premiere issue of…

PORTAL BOUND #0

Writers: Mark Roslan, Gabe Carrasco
Artist: Alex Arizmendi
Colorist: Wes Hartman
Letterer: Zen of HCMP

Available: February 7^th, 2018
SRP: $1.50

Their Future Depends on Each Other as Aspen’s 15-Year Anniversary kicks off with the debut of their newest series!

A parallel otherworld exists as a mirror to our own, where science is melded with nature and a warrior spirit defines their true value. A teenage soldier princess, Sybil, is sent off with her Uncle Horuk in an effort to stop her megalomaniac father, Emperor Atilus from destroying two Earths. With a deadly array of monstrous creatures in hot pursuit, Sybil and her uncle race to activate a portal to Earth to find a savior who is also figuring out how to survive…being a teenager!

Don’t miss the opening chapter to Aspen’s brand new action-adventure saga from writers Mark Roslan (BubbleGun, Broken Pieces) and newcomer Gabe Carrasco, with artist Alex Arizmendi (Edge of Venomverse: War Stories, Secret Empire: Brave New World) as they bring us a tale of two earths in need of two heroes!

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
PORTAL BOUND #0

Writing:

Mark and Gabe have crafted an intriguing prologue here for the series’ start. It has elements of classic comics, outer space, internal planetary struggle, heroes rising to the occasion. But it also has things that modern young and new readers can relate to: Anxiety of the loss of loved ones, teen distress, etc. Most important of all, several of the heroes are young adults which will make the struggles they encounter that intertwine with the sci-fi plot, enjoyable and relatable on a certain level for youthful comics fans.

Art:

Alex’s art is dynamite and killer. Detailed in every way, filling each panel with imagery that will have all readers and Aspen Comics fans turning pages like greased lightning. The artwork for the alien world of Havos is especially eye-catching. To this reviewer, it evoked memories of the classic art of Alex Raymond’s ‘Flash Gordon’ comics and the world of Mongo. It will no doubt garner different reactions from people but it is a clear sign that things to come artistically will be in good hands with Alex.

Wes did a delightful job as colorist for issue #0. Taking his vast experience as a colorist, he applied it dutifully to finding the right hues and tones to provide that extra jump to Alex’s artwork. The end result, a beautiful fusion of colors and pictures that provides even more stunning visual material for the reader.

Zen nailed it doing the lettering for this issue. There’s a high level of detail involved with the letters for descriptions of the world of Havos, and the story that lies ahead for people. Another area of detail is the lettering for the Emperor Atilus. He conveys that air of supreme villainy that will make him a highly formidable opponent to the young heroes of this new series. And that is all thanks to the talented and hard working Zen.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

Welcome readers and Aspen Comics fans of all ages. Welcome to issue #0 of Portal Bound. Come explore the world of Havos and be drawn into a brand new adventure of science-fiction excellence coupled with youthful teen spirit and energy. Thrill to the work of the dedicated team of Mark, Gabe, Alex, Wes and Zen. Don’t delay, get a copy today!