Blood & Thunder is the newest comic book series co-created by Robert Kirkman, Benito Cereno, and E.J. Su. As Kirkman said in the announcement to this new series, expect “Monsters! Aliens! Space! Talking Guns! I dare you to find a comic that’s more exciting! Blood & Thunder! Shut up!” That’s a lot of promise that looks like Cereno and Su as the writer and artist, respectively, will be able to explore. We got the chance to check out an early copy of the debut issue of the series. Find out how Blood & Thunder #1 turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Co-Creators: Robert Kirkman, Benito Cereno, and E.J. Su
Writer: Benito Cereno
Artist: E.J. Su
Colorist: Msassyk
Letterer: Rus Wooton
BLOOD & THUNDER #1 SOLICITATION
“Bounty hunter Akeldama “Blood” Bledsoe and her cantankerous talking gun, Thunder, are the best there is at bringing in the bad guys.
However, when the galaxy’s most dangerous criminal breaks out of prison, Blood’s hunt delivers her down a path that will unlock secrets about her past, present, and future… and that’s when things get REALLY BAD.
The team of Benito Cereno, E.J. Su (Tech Jacket) and Michele “Msassyk” Assarasakorn, in partnership with visionary creator Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), present an all-new action epic set in the near future where Earth has integrated alien species into a new society – meaning there’s a whole new set of rules…and a whole load of new crimes to solve.” – Skybound Entertainment
REVIEW
Blood & Thunder #1 absolute nails Robert Kirkman’s promise of “Monsters! Aliens! Space! Talking Guns!” Benito Cereno and E.J. Su show a full confidence in the vision they had for this series along Kirkman to deliver a world that is fully realized. Creating such a world allows there to be a feeling of immersion right from the start.
One of the best creative decision Cereno and Su make early on is to make the world Blood & Thunder #1 be the star of the opening pages. We go several pages before we meet the series lead, Akeldama “Blood” Bledsoe. This decision plays a key role in the success of this debut. It sends the message that the world we are entering into is filled with a ton of characters. There’s a sense that every corner that is turned we will see different types of characters and a distinct vibe.
Starting this way made the moment Akeldama “Blood” Bledsoe made her first appearance have a greater impact. Right away when Akeldama appears she has the aura of a lead character. Adding to how Akeldama’s character is how she is presented. Leading up to the moment we first see her Cereno and Su show us how the cops of this world operate. Establishing that made Akeldama stand out more in this world as she approaches things as a bounty hunter. The distinction is made with how Akeldama is all about getting the job done.
The addition of Akeldama’s partner being her talking gun, named Thunder, was a nice touch to further push the uniqueness of the world that’s created. The banter between Akeldama and Thunder helps to enhance the action. Cereno also makes sure to write Thunder in a way that you know it’s coming from an AI-like program. It’s a balance needed to help push the difference between humanoid and robotic characters.
Making sure the buy in for the new world Blood & Thunder #1 is presenting is a smart call. Yes, there is a bigger story that is being developed but first and foremost the world building is the star. That world building creates an investment in where Akeldama’s story will go next as we discover a deeper plot.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With Benito Cereno’s strong writing defining the voice and E.J. Su’s artwork popping off the panels, Blood & Thunder #1 is an excellent debut issue. The world building is top notch with a badass bounty hunter in Akeldama “Blood” Bledsoe as the series lead. This is one sci-fi story you will not want to miss out on experiencing for yourself.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Check out the full preview of Blood & Thunder #1 by clicking here.
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