REVIEW: The Bigger Bang #1

Written by D.J. Kirkbride
Art by Vassilis Gogtzilas
Published by IDW Publishing
Release date: November 12, 2014

In a world dominated by powerful superbeings saving the day, it“s not often that we get a fresh take on such an old, and cliched concept, but The Bigger Bang manages to do just that.

The Bigger Bang #1 starts off in the homeworld of the Laflourians, a young race with burgeoning science and culture, and as the narrator admits, full of potential. Unfortunately for them, their homeworld houses a volcano so large that it takes up one-eighth of the planet“s surface – and it is about to erupt. At the last second, a blue and red streak zooms across the dark skies, descends into the volcano, and saves the Laflourians from impending doom. Instead of praising their savior for preventing their demise though, the Laflourians run in terror, afraid of this super-powered being, this god – the Flying Man.

BB1sc1On the opposite side of the spectrum is King Thulu who travels through space in his palace ship enforcing his perverse brand of justice and rule as he sees fit. It is King Thulu who planted a device on the Laflourian homeworld, and after he learns of the Flying Man“s involvement in foiling his plans, he vows to destroy him.

The beginning of the book is quite interesting as we quickly learn who the key players in the story are. Good and evil is as easy to discern as black and white in this universe, though it seems that not everyone is willing to make the obvious moral choices for fear of having King Thulu“s wrath fall upon them.

Intermixed into the narrative are some very interesting morsels of information not just about the origins of the Flying Man, but of the evolution of the multiverse as a whole. The story may be taking place in space, but that“s not what gives this book a cosmic feel. Rather, the theories and ideas with which Kirkbride tosses around that makes this book much more complex than appears on paper.

Vassilis Gogtzilas“ artwork is stunning, but definitely not for everyone. His linework is rough and seemingly chaotic with a dark color palette fitting of the tone of the book, even through the more comedic moments. His art style is not unlike anything else I“ve seen in comics today, but has the same level of grit and complexity as Sam Keith“s work on The Maxx in the mid-90s.

While not perfect, The Bigger Bang #1 shows a great deal of potential. I“m not entirely sure the direction this miniseries will take through its four-issue run, but I look forward to coming along for the ride.

[yasr_overall_rating]

Author Profile

Martin Ferretti
Martin Ferretti is an avid comic book reader, Hearthstone player, IT professional, father, and all around geek. His fascination with Valiant Comics may be bordering on the insane, but hey, it keeps him happy. Follow him @Valiant_Central on Twitter or his Valiant news and reviews site ValiantCentral.com
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