G-Man (Level 33)

New Comic from New Publisher

Spacedog Entertainment has entered a partnership with Top Cow comics to distribute their first comic (more will be on the way).  Here is the official synopsis for the comic:

New mini-series by director/screenwriter Alex Zamm and up-and-coming artist Jason Badower (Heroes, True Blood)!

An international space race ensues when an asteroid containing enough precious metals to shift the balance of power on Earth is detected on a path through our solar system. When the U.S. Team arrives on the asteroid, they discover the remains of an abandoned alien mining camp. But when the U.S. ship is sabotaged and crew members go missing, it becomes clear they're not alone on the asteroid. Stranded, the remaining crew members must band together to survive the monstrous inhabitants on the asteroid, find a way off the rock and save Earth which now sits directly in the path of destruction. In the process, they discover a deep dark secret contained within the asteroid. It holds the key to both their destruction and to their salvation. But unearthing it will change the fate of humanity forever.

Even though I read way too many comics to keep up with, I always enjoy a new series in a new universe.  It can be refreshing to read a series that doesn't have years of history to try to sort out.  Zero-G also offers a story that seems free of super-powered individuals.  That means it could happen in the 'real world.' 

The story begins with the discovery of an asteroid that will be passing by Earth.  The scientist discover that there is an opportunity to mine for precious minerals that could drastic changes on Earth.  Soon other nations of the world race to lay a claim and achieve a fortune.  It seems like it could be an average space story but begins to take a slight twist towards the end.  Being a miniseries and there being a set time frame the crew has in space, there is some suspense.  It seems that no one on the crew is relatively safe.  Any one of them could be meeting their end on the asteroid.

For a first comic from Spacedog and creator Alex Zamm, it has potential.  To be honest, I did feel there were a couple of cliche moments.  Probably the biggest for me was the 'beautiful' female characters (one of the crew and main character Atom's ex).  Being that Zamm is a director/screenwriter, it's understandable.  It's the Hollywood thing to do.  While it's never over the top, the bottom line is sex sells.  No one really wants to read about ugly characters.  That being said, it's just a minor thing.

We are left with a pretty big cliffhanger moment at the end.  I think this issue is just barely opening the door to something really big.  There is obviously more to the asteroid that it seems.  I will be on board with the next issue to see what happens next. 

I'm giving this issue a 3.5 out of 5.  I sat and debated about that for a bit.  It's a nice first effort.  I have a feeling I will enjoy the next issue more.  I like where this story could be going but was put off a little bit by a couple minor things.  I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg.