Issue: Extermination #1
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Pencils: Jeffrey Edwards
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Release Date: 6/6/2012
Cover Price: $1.00
We Lost. They Won. In the wake of an apocalyptic alien invasion, the world’s greatest super-heroes and deadliest super-villains must form an alliance to prevent their own extermination. Two arch-enemies, Nox, a driven hero, and Red Reaper, a ruthless villain, form a volatile partnership for the greater good. The enemy of your enemy is your friend – but will they be able to ultimately put aside their bitter past to prevent global genocide? What happens when all the battle lines are redrawn and foes become unlikely allies in a desperate war for the fate of the very planet – and the outcome of a species? Written by Simon Spurrier (X-Club, Fear Itself: The Home Front, Wolverine: Dangerous Games), Extermination is a superhero survival story by an author that boldly explores the dark crevices of an entire genre.
Story: 7.5/10 • Artwork: 8.5/10 • Overall 8/10
What if Batman and Lex Luthor were the last people alive on earth after an alien invasion? That is what you have in Extermination #1. Nox is your token Batman/Superman character and Red Reaper is the arch-nemesis and now they have to team-up to survive. The characters in Extermination are not very original but the plot and aliens are. The story moves well between flashbacks of Nox and Red Reaper fighting and to their current state of the end of the world alien invasion. What could make the series worth reading is the character development of Nox. A do-gooder in a world of killers, how will he adapt?
The first issue gives you enough information to make you want to read issue two. Simon Spurrier’s writing can be a little too campy at times. The acknowledged Star Wars reference isn’t needed and the blatant Batman references are rough. Spurrier needs to realize that he is dealing with a serious and dark subject matter and the story could be delivered with less camp. Nox is a great character, part Batman and part Superman, but Spurrier needs to make Nox his own.
The artist Jeffrey Edwards suffers from what comic book fans hate most, the cover art and the inside art are completely different. Comic book companies love to put a big name artist on the cover but it hurts the interior artist that just slaved over 22-pages. The drastic change in art styles from cover to interior give the book a bumpy beginning. Edwards does a solid job on all the characters. Edwards best page is the Red Reaper “telepathic assault,” page seven. The alien attacks the Red Reapers mind and Edwards does an amazing job conveying the story. The color choice by Blond also works very well.
Boom has a very interesting concept with Extermination. With a little refinement this could be a very riveting ride. For one dollar, Extermination #1 will be the best comic you read this week.
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