Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Comeback Kings #1
Ardden Comics
Sullivan, Guarente & Young
Bruce Lee didn't really die and he's been running a secret operations group that takes out global threats. That's a hook that should be enough to get anyone to pick this book up and give it a read. However, the insanity doesn't end there as Sullivan and Guarente bring one of the oddest high concepts I've read in a long time. As is the case with any good hook, it can only last if the story is good and this is a good start to making sure the comic book has a solid hold on a story. This is worth checking out.
The book begins with Bruce Lee studying an angle on an assassination of a celebrity. As he unravels some of the mystery he begins to connect the dots and determiners that this is a long term threat. He's not going after this alone so he gets the band back together.
Bruce Lee pays visits to nursing homes, burger dives and suburban America as he pulls out his team from hiding that consists of Elvis, Andy Kaufman, Tupac and Jim Morrison. What isn't clear is why this team broke up in the first place or why they apparently haven't aged since their apparent deaths. However, the joy of this introduction is the creative situations these characters have been hiding in.
After the team gets back together to stop the threat their interactions help to carry the issue. The issue is loaded with some of the urban legends and stereotypes that have kept these characters alive in popular culture, in some cases, three decades after they died. However, some of the subtleties of Kaufman and Tupac may not have lived on as well and could easily fly over some reader's heads which seems only fair when throwing then in with the likes of Elvis.
The issue only gives a taste of the overall story though. There are hints that seem to speak to the fact that not everything is as straight forward as it seems but as far as a first issue goes this one is about character introductions and establishing a rapport between them. That, and getting to the big cliffhanger ending.
The artwork is black and white and is extremely detailed. The characters look very much like their real life counterparts and the supporting cast all look equally as detailed and unique. Overall, the book looks great and tells a rich and deep visual story.
As far as first issue go this one is good. It's got a great concept and provides a bunch of reasons to tune back in, which is a good thing. I'm glad the character introductions are out of the way because I want to see more of the plot and, particularly, this team in action. If you like high concept stuff that is as creative as it is unheard of then this is a great investment for three bucks. You won't be disappointed.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
