Writing: I am going to go with Ron in one area of this book: I have no idea how they're going to fit this story into three issues at the pace this first installment sets. That said, stranger literary feats have been accomplished, so I'm sure this won't cause too many sleepless nights and cold sweats - save maybe for us readers!
I normally absolutely HATE slowly paced introductions to a story. There was something in "Death, Cold as Steel" that didn't alienate me in this way - maybe because I felt more a fly on the wall for the events that were unfolding. There's a strong "real-time" vibe about the whole thing. You almost feel as if you're looking from behind Aubrey's eyes or as if you're in the room with him.
Artwork: A fluidity, almost dreamlike, was present throughout the issue - which would certainly fit given the situation into which Aubrey Norris finds himself dropped.
Overall: 4 stars. The winning point of this story is its immersiveness - and it really sneaks up on you. Without trying or really even being aware of it, you feel as if you're invested in what's going on and that impressed me. I'm also very curious as to how this will all resolve in two more issues, but we'll deal with that when we get to it.
Alex Haas
Writing: This detective story is set in the S.Q.R.L. universe that we saw in Raised by Squirrels. It has all the hallmarks of a classic noir tale, with a little bit of military and super-hero mixed in. The issue even finished with some wordplay that was in the pun/groaner category.
Overall: 4 stars. I liked it. I'm curious to see where they go with this story, and how they wrap it up in just two more issues.
Robert Weiman
Writing: This was a really wierd one for me. I really liked this story and the artwork, but there was one problem that made me scratch my head.
The book moved at the type of pace that I tend to like, deliberate, not seeming to be rushed. The issue was that it moved so deliberate that I had to keep looking at the cover to make sure that it really said this was 1 of 3 on the cover. At this pace, in three issues we really wouldn't get anywhere. I'm guessing they outlined the three issues and this one got the short end of the stick.
Having said that, I did really enjoy the story which sort of reminded my of a more serious version of Powers, which isn't a bad thing. A super-hero is found dead and our heroes are on the case to solve it. By the end there is a twist or two but I'll leave that for you to read....which you should do.
Overall: 3 stars. Although I'm going with three stars instead of four, I have real high hopes for this book. I think the pace will pick up in the next issue...I'm just hoping that it doesn't get too rushed.
Ron Miller