SHAPER #1 Review


Will this screenwriter manage to make an impressive comic début? Or should he stick with what he knows? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

A Hidden Heritage Reveals a Hero!

A galactic empire hunts a race of shape shifters prophesied to overthrow its rule. When orphaned teenager Spry discovers that he is one of the hunted—a Shaper—he must learn to use his newfound abilities to escape the empire’s prime enforcer, Tor Ajax, and save his entire race!

Shaper #1 previewI feel that as a comic book community, we’ve become overrun by new sci-fi series, as it seems that each week there’s a handful to choose from. This alone isn’t actually a bad thing, as being a fan of the genre I’m always happy to try new series. What does prove problematic however, is choosing which of these to add to your pull, fearing whether you’ve chosen wisely. Shaper definitely proves to be a wise choice, as having a quirky and unique premise, whilst sporting some familiar traits, it’s a series that should appeal to most sci-fi fans, having a natural flow.

His various film scripts may have left me in two minds over the year, but the refreshing way in which Eric Heissererhas makes his comic début, certainly amazed. Despite there being some obvious inspiration points throughout (whether intentional or not), the clever way in which the writer builds this tale, really excites. From the story like opening, in which main character, Spry, introduces a game, to the eventual reality of this game itself, there’s plenty to keep readers entertained, with the mixed character emotions of Spry making the story all the more alluring.

I have to admit, the main thing that drew me into this series was the art, with Felipe Massafera‘s cover for this first issue astounding. That’s no different with the interiors, as though the colours of Wes Dzioba aren’t as sleek as that of the cover, it still manages to give a powerful tone to proceedings. The energetic layouts, and detailed pencils of Massafera also entice, with each panel being simply mesmerizing. On top of this, the artist also captures the energy and emotion of Heisserehas’ script wonderfully, as between the explosive action, and deep characteristics of Spry, it easily keeps the readers attention.

Shaper is a fresh new take on the sci-fi genre, as though there are some familiar elements, the dramatic way in which writer and artist introduce us to this world makes it something completely original. The character depth, and elaborate plot developments will also entice readers, with the twists near the end having them returning for more.

OUR RATING
10
  • + Refreshing plot.
  • + Spry is an energetic, yet emotionally driven character.
  • + Beautiful artwork throughout.
  • + Dramatic twists that'll leave readers eager for more.

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