[Comic Book Review] Source Point Press’ SUICIDE JOCKEYS #1

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of SUICIDE JOCKEYS #1 from Source Point Press. Available Wednesday, August 25th, the creative team for this issue features writing from Rylend Grant, art from Davi Leon Dias, colors by Iwan Joko Triyono, and lettering from HdE.

Related: [Video Interview] Rylend Grant of SUICIDE JOCKEYS

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

COVERS

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SUICIDE JOCKEYS #1

Writer: Rylend Grant
Artist: Davi Leon Dias
Colorist: Iwan Joko Triyono
Letterer: HdE

Cover Artists:
Cover A: Davi Leon Dias w/ Iwan Joko Triyono
Cover B: Fábio Alves w/ Edson Ferreira

In Shops: Aug 25, 2021
SRP: $3.99

Ten years after a catastrophic mission gone wrong, Denver Wallace, leader of the Suicide Jockeys – a poor, usually drunken, almost certainly mentally ill crew of monster-fighting, tank-and-aircraft-piloting suckers – must pick himself up off the proverbial and literal floors, slap his estranged, desperately-fractured team back together, and right what once went wrong.


PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
SUICIDE JOCKEYS #1

Yo! Sometimes the comic book medium blows me away at what “can be” as it pertains to storytelling (visual & artistic). The newest title to come from publisher Source Point Press is a prime example. It’s filled from cover-to-cover with spectacular visuals, brilliant pacing, and an overall satisfying experience come book’s end. And since it’s from The 80’s aficionado Rylend Grant, you can expect some fun Easter eggs and nods across pop culture in this debut issue. How many can you find?

Being a Tokusatsu comic through and through, and given its inspiration of classic Japanese action television like Ultraman and Super Sentai, writer Grant partnered with Tokusatsu historian/expert Brad Warner, who previously worked for over a decade in Japan as an executive for Tsuburaya Productions. This alone should garner the respect and assured authenticity of the source material.

And let’s not forget…this creative team is the same group of creators who put together a visual masterpiece and received a Ringo Award for ABERRANT. This team not only knows how to put out some top-notch material, collectively they are a winning formula.

Writing: One of Rylend’s fortes has always been his delivery of a “Present Day” tale interwoven with flashbacks filled with backstory. It makes for some next-level, intelligent storytelling – just as it did with ABERRANT, BANJAX, and both of his crowdfunded projects (THE JUMP, THE PEACEKEEPERS). It’s extremely effective and makes for a better and more engaging story. And in this first issue, Grant’s approach, delivery, and prowess practically leap off the page. You’ll be in it up to your beans and franks.

I think what excites me the most about SUICIDE JOCKEYS is that Rylend has a larger ensemble to play with, the wide-open possibilities of monsters he could introduce, and getting to tinker with spacetime. I really cannot wait to see where Grant takes the Jockeys in this gorgeous, sci-fi adventure.

Art: Davi Leon Dias seems to just get better with every project he works on. Really making a mark for himself in Grant’s ABERRANT and THE PEACEKEEPERS, and his stunning commission our Green Lantern Challenge, Davi’s work here in the science fiction-fueled SUICIDE JOCKEYS really blows open the door on the range of the artist. Bold, striking linework coupled with a Tokusatsu flair, Dias has the visual on lock with this title.

Some of the fun viewing, for me, of his artwork comes from the convention scene. He brings that essence of a comic con and convention-goers so beautifully. It’s fun, it’s relatable, and just fantastic to see brought to life. And his portayal of some famous con celebs is spot-on. Never a dull moment when it comes to Davi’s illustrations and it really propels this creator into another level.

Colors: I could sit and marvel at Iwan Joko Troyono’s colors all day. He brings such a warmth to every panel, be it with character interactions or any given scenery. He never goes overboard or fills pages with in-your-face intense colors. Rather, he makes for a perfect compliment to Davi’s art, allowing the artist’s work to really shine. Iwan is a respectful creator who enhances all the fine points of every panel. From explosions to the massive war machines and the science fiction components throughout, Triyono impressively delivers a remarkable feel of the issue.

Letters: HdE, aside from being a talented creator, excels in his delivery and placements throughout any comic book with which he letters. SUICIDE JOCKEYS is a prime example. His style and artistic prowess is on full display as he captures so many aspects of the reading experience: assisting with the pacing, an attractive delivery, and really hitting home important aspects of Grant’s script. The captions add depth to the internal dialogue of Denver Wallace and accentuate the mood of any given panel. It’s always a joy knowing that going into any of Rylend’s books, you are guaranteed a high-level of quality and some of the best lettering on the indie scene seeing HdE’s name attached to the project. He’s an incredible team player who always brings it and this latest series showcases it superbly.

Overall Assessment:

You want action? Got it. Gripping storytelling? Check. Love dabbling with timelines and exciting sci-fi goodness? Look no further. SUICIDE JOCKEYS delivers on every level and is going to make a HUGE impact upon release. It’s mechs, monsters, mayhem, and sci-fi madness all rolled into one kick-ass premiere issue, guaranteed to make every reader a fan. Source Point Press has a monster of a series on their hands and you don’t want to miss it! #JockeyGoals

Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars


And be sure to check out Rylend Grant’s podcast THE WRITER’S BLOCK with writer David Avallone!


Writer – Rylend Grant

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Artist – Davi Leon Dias

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Colorist – Iwan Joko Triyono

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Letterer – HdE

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Publisher – Source Point Press

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