PopCultHQ

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of ABERRANT #1 from Action Lab Entertainment‘s Danger Zone imprint. Available Wednesday, June 6th, the creative team for this series features writing from Rylend Grant, art from Zsombor Huszka, colors by Iwan Joko Triyono, and lettering from HdE.

ABERRANT #1

Writer: Rylend Grant

Artists:
Zsombor Huszka (Artist),
Iwan Joko Triyono (Colorist),
HdE (Letterer)

Cover Artists:
Zsombor Huszka,

Iwan Joko Triyono (Colorist)

David, a U.S. Army Special Operations Commander, distraught after losing his entire unit to a superhuman attack, wages an absolutely brutal one-man war on the eccentric billionaire and former superhero, Lance Cordrey, whom he believes is ultimately responsible. That is until Nelson Little, the head of a clandestine paramilitary outfit called Article 13, provides David with evidence that Cordrey may be a patsy, and David’s men were killed as part of a vast and twisted government/military conspiracy.

RELATED: [Interview] The Creative Team Behind Action Lab: Danger Zone’s ABERRANT

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
ABERRANT #1

Prior to writing out my review, I read through ABERRANT #1 three times. This is fairly typical for me since we at PopCultHQ give our thoughts on not only the book as a whole, but each individual’s contributions to the particular issue. And I need the extra times to give as genuine of a review as I can, because otherwise I hurt the creators and the readers. SO let me assure you when I tell you, each time I read through it, it put a bigger smile on my face. I’m taken back to memories of me reading Marvel’s The Nam right off the spinner rack, but with an updated, more relevant feel. The U.S. Special Ops Commander, David, is a character who you’ll want to follow to not only see his next move, but watch how he may be getting played. It poses a similar question as Captain America: Civil War (super-powered beings going unchecked and unaccountable) but from the civilian viewpoint. There’s moments of laughter and sorrow, suspense and intrigue, and has some fun 80s references (I’ll give you one: “Coming to America.” Oops, sorry. Spoiler alert.) What’s even better is knowing there is still another nine, sure-to-be as exciting, issues remaining!

Writing:

Rylend Grant makes a HUGE debut at Action Lab with ABERRANT #1. His writing is delivered with perfection and couldn’t have been scripted better. Grant brings a multi-layered story brimming with potentiality: From a well-developed protagonist, its cloak-and-dagger feel, the “who can you trust” scattered throughout, the mysterious Lance Cordrey, the civilian vs. aberrants conflict, and with many questions to be revealed, this powerful book grabs you and Rylend’s writing is a big reason.

Art:

Not to diminish Rylend’s contribution in the least, but Zsombor Huska’s illustrations are beyond impressive. Nice definition, great amount of detail, and a sharp layout. The artist captures a lot of the emotion Rylend is trying to convey and it shows. Loved the little things I picked up on in my second and third pass (I suggest you do the same). Great inks too.

Colorist Iwan Joko Triyono is the other part of the emotion, bringing Grant’s story life. The book has its feels; there are warm moments, there are harsh and cold moments. Iwan makes that a reality and he adds an authentic tone to the scenes and the characters. Fantastic job.

Letterer HdE showed off his range, as he was all over the place (in a good way): dialogues, captions, sound effects, and he’ll really have you singing along with his musical captures. His layout is so fluid, it’s ridiculous. Think of HdE’s contribution to ABERRANT #1 as the background music moving the story along. Very impressive stuff.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

ABERRANT #1 is a game-changer at Action Lab: Danger Zone. You’ll become captivated almost immediately, truly feeling you are being entertained from a comic book though having a theater-like experience. The creative team on this issue put together one of the most seamless, cohesive, and dynamic collaborations I’ve seen this year on the indie scene. ABERRANT #1 is not only a must-have, get to your LCS and add it to your pull list NOW. Come series end, ABERRANT will be worth rereading for years to come.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

ABERRANT #1 will be available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, June 6th!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Rylend Grant

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Artist – Zsombor Huszka

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Colorist – Iwan Joko Triyono

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Letterer – HdE

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Publisher – Action Lab: Danger Zone

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