Review – Lone Wolf 2100 #3 (of 4) (Dark Horse Comics)

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Eric Heisserer
Artist: Miguel Sepulveda, Javier Mena (Colours)
Release Date: 2nd March, 2016

Set in a post-apocalyptic future earth decimated by a mutative virus, this updated reimagining of the seminal Manga by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima is quite different from the infamous, blood-soaked Japanese films of the late seventies. The relationship between the two central characters, for example, shifts from father and son, to protector and daughter, with the titular Lone Wolf being an android tasked with ensuring the safety of young Daisy Ogami.

This third issue sees the duo coming under attack from a group of mercenaries hell-bent on halting their passage to Japan, where Itto hopes to broker a deal to create a freely available antidote from Daisy’s blood. Writer Eric Heisserer takes some time to flesh out the ‘Ronin’ android, providing him with a background as a surgical bot, and highlighting how the combination of combat effectiveness and emotional intelligence elevates him above the other models. It’s a simple but very effective twist that prevents the narrative becoming a tiresome stream of action set pieces, giving the tale an emotional anchor, and making him more relatable and engaging in the process. Further, it imbues the character with a very human sensibility not so apparent in some of the actual humans in the story so far.

The book’s aesthetic is very clean and precise, much like it’s central character, and Miguel Sepulveda’s artwork is very obviously influenced by a number of popular sci-fi movies. From a compositional and design perspective, it’s just a little too easy to discern the influence, and although commendably accurate, it lifted me out of the story on occasion. Where he does excel is in creating a tense, brooding atmosphere through his deep shadows, which are balanced perfectly by Javier Mena’s expert highlighting and rich colours. Explosions in particular look great, and the issue also features a number brilliantly executed lighting and reflective effects.

The creative team have really hit their stride here, fusing clever storytelling and suitably effective art. After fearing that this series might be veering towards becoming a formulaic, run-of-the-mill action story, the shift in dynamic and personal level of engagement in the story was a pleasant and very welcome surprise.

Rating: 4/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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