Review – Space Riders: Galaxy of Brutality #1 (Black Mask Studios)

Publisher: Black Mask Studios
Writer: Fabian Rangel Jr.
Art: Alexis Ziritt
Release Date: 29th March 2017

There are certain styles of storytelling that will never go out of fashion. Styles that, when executed properly, can send you headlong into a tailspin of nostalgia and memories. Space Riders, from Fabian Rangel Jr. and Alexis Ziritt, is a perfect example of this.

I’m honestly not sure how I’d categorise Space Riders. Possibly gonzo, mixed with sci-fi B-movie, thrown in a blender with an old school “Heavy Metal” vibe. So yeah, if I hadn’t made it obvious by now, I’m in love with this series!

Ziritt’s art style is straight out of my childhood, with over-the-top neon colours, strong, black linework, and a flair for the dramatic with his character work that makes the panels practically jump off the page. Splashes are used with restraint, to emphasise a point, and what a point they make. I want The Santa Muerte on my wall! There’s also an abundance of bold blacks, that some artists often overlook using, but here it brings the pages together and gives depth.

Rangel Jr. Is my kind of guy, with a narrative style that would sit snuggly in between heavy metal and any film Kurt Russell was the star of in the 80s. It’s over-the-top, with cheesy dialogue and the unshakable feeling that this was a kid that really knew how to play with his toys. G.I. Joe definitely met the Transformers in this guy’s head, if you know what I’m saying?

There’s a real punk feel to this book, as there was with the last arc, which is by no means a bad thing. In fact, it’s a breath of fresh air, if that air came from a sweaty bar, blasting Black Flag or Sabbath, and it came through the window from a man called Bubba. Bubba seems like a really nice guy though, once you get to know him. In summary, buy this book. You owe it to yourself, really.

Rating: 5/5.

If you want to find out more about Space Riders, you can check out our interview with its creators by CLICKING HERE.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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