Review – Footpath: Dangerous Nights #1 (Page 1 Comics)

July 21, 2026

2–3 minutes

Publisher: Page 1 Comics
Creator & Co-Writer: Alfred Paige
Co-Writer: Jonathan Hedrick
Artwork: Marcelo Salaza
Colors: Matheus Huve
Letters & Design: Saida Temofonte

Prodigiously plucked from Alfred Paige’s World of C.H.E.S.S. and co-written by Jonathan Hedrick, this comic’s thirty‑two‑page plot is refreshingly straightforward compared to many major publishers’ overly complicated and often unconvincing storylines. Even the book’s introduction makes it crystal clear that the narrative is simply about the titular character locating the site of an illegal underground auction, infiltrating it, and blowing the entire place sky‑high: “Sounds easy, but gotta get on the island first!”

This stripped‑back approach genuinely makes the action‑packed yarn a joy to behold. Readers can simply watch Kelly Rowan do her thing as a top‑secret agent without being distracted by side‑quests or secondary objectives. Furthermore, when it comes to the private sale’s host, the authors waste absolutely no time having him wax lyrical about some grand plan in front of Footpath. Instead, they immediately have him order the young woman’s execution for costing “me a small fortune tonight.”

With almost all the spotlight focused on Avery Davis’ covert operative, every bibliophile following her exploits will feel as if they’re on the assignment with Rowan. This palpable sense of involvement is extremely well executed; when Kelly is cornered by a handful of gun‑toting killers, it’s hard not to momentarily hold your breath in anticipation of what comes next. In fact, this connection between Footpath and the reader is arguably the periodical’s greatest asset, and will undoubtedly make fans cheer on the spy‑turned‑superhero whenever she overcomes a hurdle or setback.

Of course, no critique of this comic would be complete without praising the pencils of Marcelo Salaza and the colours of Matheus Huve. Just like the book’s writers, this creative duo deliver a top‑notch depiction of Rowan’s tense attempt to uncover what’s being sold on the mysterious Pacific island. Particularly striking is the contrast between the brightly lit, spacious ballroom and the far more dour, almost claustrophobic auction hall. Salaza is also clearly at the top of his game when illustrating Footpath’s quicker‑than‑the‑human‑eye movements and her impressive athletic abilities.

[PREVIEW ARTWORK – CLICK TO ENLARGE]