PopCultHQ

PopCultHQ received a preview copy of Jackpot! #1 by AfterShock Comics which arrived in stores last Wednesday, April 13th. The creative team for this new series features writing from Ray Fawkes, interior artist Marco Failla, and colorist Stefani Rennee.

Here is PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of Jackpot! #1…

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review: Jackpot! #1:

The debut issue of Jackpot, with the story entitled “The Players,” is hands down one of the best first issues I have read in quite some time. From the very beginning of the book, you immediately find yourself immersed in this story of intrigue, action, and a suspenseful heist.

A plot is already underway and this roguish crew of five cunning players engage in a high stakes con at sea.

The conspirators in this caper live up to their respective roles and codenames (see team’s names below), and they do this so eloquently through artist Marco Failla’s flawless illustrations and colorist Stefani Rennee’s impressive eye for proper coloring, shading and highlights.

While working my way through the premiere issue of Jackpot!, I couldn’t help but have little flashes in my mind recalling bits and scenes of some great heist films: Ocean’s Eleven, Stanley Kubrick’s The Killing, and a touch of Now You See Me. Storylines like this aren’t frequently seen in the comic book industry (a damn shame!) and when they do, they struggle in an area; typically it’s the writing but sometimes the art. As long as writer Ray Fawkes puts his vision to paper, and the artisitc talent of Failla/Rennee stay on the project, this series could easily last years.

The creative team of Fawkes, Failla, and Rennee have established such a smooth core group of schemers that will have the comic book audience on the edge of their seat rooting for them to make a getaway with the loot.

Your cast of characters in Jackpot! (hover over each pic to reveal their role):

Loving the planning and execution of this team’s heist in issue one. It is done intelligently, on the sly, and was extremely well thought out. This quintet of criminals was presented like no other I have come across in the comic genre, and that is thanks to Fawkes vision and accompanying writing. Fawkes and his team established so much in this first issue as to character development, moving storyline, look and feel of the caper, artistic flow and vivid nature, and a compelling thriller that rivals the likes of the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy of films. And that was simply in one issue! Can’t wait to see the aftermath of this theft.

The creative trio have hit the Jackpot! with this debut and the title will certainly see a long run and quickly build a fanbase. I have already contacted my LCS and put this on my pull list. I will be telling everyone I know in the comic community that Jackpot! is the one to watch!

PopCultHQ’s Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars