REVIEW: PHABULA #1
4.5/5
A Bloody Great Mess!
Monkeybrain comics launches a new series this week called Phabula from creator Dalton Rose. This title starts in fifth gear and you are thrown in the middle of what feels more like a third or fourth rather than number one. Although, in this case, that’s not a bad thing.
The book starts with in The Bleary Desert at a gathering of giant wolf monster creatures in the middle of a burning sacrifice. Suddenly the group is stunned when the head of one of the monsters flies into frame after being forcefully and violently removed. Enter a girl with a sword and a request for a special map that the leader of this gathering holds. Much like the reader it is all but assumed that this girl is no match for this horde and the leader orders her death. That is when the chaos ensues and it is a bloody mess. But what a bloody good mess it is.
What is interesting is that after a one sided battle it is revealed that this girl is more than a warrior and much more dangerous. The finally panels create a nice twist but leaves you with many more questions and very few answers. Dalton Rose has created a nice sci-fi action adventure comic that any fan of such a genre should check out and it’s a steal at $.99. The story seems simple, much the appearance of the main character, but like the wolf monsters came to realize, there is more than meets the eye. Monkeybrain does these types of books right and the fact that they only comic in digital form shouldn’t dissuade you from picking it up. Rose handles almost all aspects of this book and he does it with style and character. His art has that family friendly feel and it’s a bit whimsical and cartoony. But when the sword and blood flies it’s violent, action packed fun with a pace that makes it go by so fast you may think you have missed something. It’s a great combination for a comic and Rose has created a unique title that will have you wanting more and the sooner the better.
Monkeybrain continues to shine with their digital books and stable of creators. I love my super-hero books and I happily plunk down 3 to 4 bucks an issue. Phabula is a great buy and Monkeybrain’s books often have twice the quality in art and storytelling and for less than $1 which shows that style and substance don’t always have to break the bank.
PHABULA #1
- Written and Art by: DALTON ROSE
- Monkeybrain Comics
- $.99 - On Sale Now
