GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #1 Review

Heck, with a name like God Hates Astronauts #1, what are you meant to expect? Fortunately, I kinda like that this comic is actually comprised of, even if I can’t quite put my finger on what that actually is…

The official description from Image:

RYAN BROWNE’S (MANHATTAN PROJECTS, BEDLAM) farcical cult-sensation returns with a new story: perfect for new readers! A NASA funded group of arrogant “super people” must stop a rash of farmers that have been using rocket-powered silos to launch themselves into outer space! As these Astro-Farmers fire themselves all over the galaxy, NASA must utilize their every resource (A guy with a ghost-cow head, a bunch of magic bears, and a Chicago cop with robot arms) to avoid an intergalactic incident!

This title is essentially the brain child of Ryan Browne, so you can blame/praise him. This issue opens up to a bizarre setting –  a tiger leading a starship full of crab people (literally people with crabs for heads) in space. It doesn’t get much more strange than that, although God Hates Astronauts #1 doesn’t let it die down either. This issue has a flare for the whimsical and the down right funny. In other words, it doesn’t care about the most realistic plot and loves to entertain or show off wherever possible.

Honestly? I’m all for it. The writing, surprisingly, is fairly solid. Browne’s humor is a little off the wall, but it comes through clearly in the writing. Whether it’s a character’s silly name, some random dialogue between two background characters or just a general concept, Browne’s imagination doesn’t seem to slow down. This isn’t your dark or broody title, it jumps from fun point to fun point and doesn’t suffer the consequences.

Visually, Browne also has full control of the title. This gives the title an instant appeal, as the colorful nature definitely goes well with the setting itself. Browne has a way with pencils, although his colors sometimes focus on the blue/orange contrast I hate so much. That said, when it comes to the (somewhat ridiculous) right scenes, he doesn’t hold back the color. God Hates Astronauts #1 is downright vibrant where it really needs to be.

In short, this isn’t for everyone but those it is aimed at will love it. It’s fun, humorous and very, very original. Here’s looking to issue #2.