NEOZOIC #1
Published by Red 5 comics
Written by Pual Ens
Art by J. Korim

Wow, I don’t know how I missed Red 5 in Previews, but when their books started shipping this month, there was only one that I had prior knowledge of: Atomic Robo. While Rob delivered on a Robot kicking Nazi butt angle, Abyss delivered in the clever Tag & Bink humor added to the Wanted and Grounded feel of the story. Both are winners, but Neozoic is some other level fun. After reading all three, this company seems to be on a level with Virgin, Viper and Archaia Studio Press, I will buy on the publisher’s reputation alone.

This would be spectulative entertainment at its finest. This is the softest of science fiction. If you think too much about what happens in the book, it will destroy your suspension of disbelief. Humans and Dinosaurs together? Yeah right. Although when you think about human nature, is it really that far fetched, we are a species of manipulative bastards. But Ens takes elements of Land of the Lost, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and sets them in an apocalyptic future where seemingly both species have thrashed the enviroment. The mix of mysticism, warrior mythos and science fiction is a winner and will bring me back for more. A nice set up, we are introduced to a band of settlers and their world in short order with ample mystery to bring you back.

Korim has brought a skilled cartoonist’s pencils to the book. Both he and Ens are new names to me, if they have done work in the past, I am familiar with it and at this late date in the week, I do not feel like putting on my research glasses. His lines are clean and curvy, surely artwork this professional and personal does not come from new blood. He must have done work in the past and I look forward to seeing more of his work. Pointers in the right direction of where to look would be appreciated.

In short, this book is a great addition to a steller launch. Anyone wanting to break into the current comic field needs to take a look at what Ens (a former Lucasfilm employee, okay so I read a press junket somewhere, sue me) and company are doing, cause this is gold.

Score 9 out of 10 

Review by Lee Newman