ADVANCE REVIEW: Rexodus
Rexodus
Based on an original concept by Eric Lee and Paul Wizikowski
Story by Kevin Anderson, James Farr, Eric Lee, Mark Steele, and Paul Wizikowski
Script by James Farr
Pencils by Jon Sommariva
$12.99
On sale July 7
64.9 million years ago, Dinosaurs ruled the world. That much is fact, gleaned from a number Discovery Channel documentaries. What you may not know, is that it wasn’t a big asteroid that decimated the species, it was The Shadow. No not that The Shadow, the one who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men. This The Shadow is a dark, matter encompassing and controlling black gloop. At this point we are introduced to the Disaurians as they flee our planet in an effort to escape their fate. And for the most part they succeed, bar two. One a father desperate to save his son and the son who is desperate to save his father; the latter ends up ensconced in ice until rudely awoken by Amber. But that is not all that is awoken. Quicker than you can say “look out, there is dark, matter encompassing and controlling black gloop about”, everything is getting destroyed before Amber and her new companion are whisked to safety, thanks to an emergency beacon, received by the Disaurian survivors. From there, it’s mishap after misadventure as the pair seek to reclaim what they have both lost.
The key to this books success lies in the relationship between Ensign Kelvin Sauridian, Son of K’Vark –Master Sergeant of the Disaurian Legion and Leader to the Den of Sentienls and Amber. They both share a perceived loss and it this bond that strengthens throughout the book. Kelvin is an honest character, who is looking to find his place in a much changed world. Amber on the other hand, is sarcastic and mouthy in her much changed world. Together they face fellow Disaurians and politics.
I have to say, when I opened this book my heart dropped. Listed as creators we have two people with the original idea, four people on story and James Farr on script. This type of writing in numbers normally leaves me cold. In this instance, I was kind of lukewarm.  There are a number of moments where the script allows for the funny and in some case it works, but after about 50 pages it does get a tad tired. As for the plot, it seems that Kelvin and Amber are dragged into the mishaps, which just so coincidentally happens to help Amber get home.
Despite the round robin of writers, there is only one person on pencils, this being Jon Sommariva. Sommariva’s style is cartoony and does help create the feeling that this book is aimed at a younger audience, hence the falling into situations and actions rather than actually planning them through. There is a trio of inkers on board along with a trio of colourists. With such collaboration, there is not a great deal of difference in the quality of the book.
If I am honest, I didn’t expect a lot from this book. initially, I thought this would be a dinosaur book hoping to cash in on the sudden re-emergence of dinosaur love thanks to Jurassic World. Whilst this may not be true of intent, the book was better that I expected. I smiled a few times in the book,  especially with Kelvin’s need to formally introduce himself at every opportunity. The book is clearly aimed at a younger audience and as this is a Dark Horse book, you can not dismiss the quality of proceedings. If you are looking for a safe book for a younger reader, then this may be right up your street.
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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