Planetoid #1 Review

Planetoid #1 is a mixed bag. Its nothing entirely new, and it covers old ground, but it does it well. For all its faults, I can’t help but slightly love it.

The official description from Image:

Silas, an ex-soldier turned space pirate, finds himself stranded on a mysterious planet in alien territory. As he explores the long-abandoned industrial ruins of the planet’s surface he will have to fend off rogue mechanical creatures, roving cyborg militias, and a hostile alien military with a bounty on his head. Silas will have to rely on resourcefulness and bare-bones survival tactics in order to stay alive and ultimately unlock the secrets of a planet where survival is a luxury and escape an impossibility.

So its a ‘man on a desert island’ surrounded by monsters (a.k.a, Lost in Space…). It sounds simple, yet its got a unique science-fiction twist that makes the title work. The colors and design, for example, are dreary, worn down with an industrial, technological or post-apocalyptic vibe. Some may not like it, but I think it sets it apart from the more flashy space operas where everything is nice, clean and oh-so colorful.

I can’t help but slightly think back to the likes of Heavy Metal magazine. Its even got a mechanical worm running through an acid pit, and it wouldn’t look out of place in the likes of Star Wars or Dune.

The main character of Planetoid, Silas, is a standard anti-hero. He’s a typical tough guy or wandering vagrant, but with an interesting enough back story to invest in the character. Silas isn’t completely likeable, but anti-heroes always make for a good read.

However, these issues make for some controversial following issues. So far we’ve established a tough guy, ex-military character whom has entered into a post apocalyptic scenario. If there’s a band of survivors involved, I hope he doesn’t become the unofficial leader, because that would be too much cliché. The title has the potential to do something different. Its not always about breaking new ground, but I hope the title mixes it up.

All in all, Planetoid 1# is an excellent issue. As the first in a series, however, its hard to get a good read on the title as a whole. It looks fantastic, and the plot is developed well enough, but time will tell if its a success.