- Writer and Artist: Fell Hound
- Letterer and Logo Design: Lettersquids
- Thanks to Fell Hound for the review copy!
This one-shot sci-fi book is set in a future in which rebels are fighting against a despot, until a soldier decides to take him down herself. Brought to life by a successful Kickstarter campaign, Commander Rao reads like an action movie, which is a good thing.
The story takes place in three time periods – the ‘present’ which serves as a framing device, the assault on the despot’s lair, which forms the bulk of the story, and flashbacks that slowly provide characterization and motivation for Commander Rao. I found this technique to be quite effective. Intercut between high octane fight scenes, we get glimpses into what caused this one woman mission. Like an onion being peeled back, the past is slowly revealed as she gets closer to the big bad.
Speaking of action, it is top notch. The futuristic setting allows for some creative fight sequences. The art is colorful and vibrant, which makes the occasional black and white panels pop. The lettering is creative as well, with varying styles used for sound effects throughout the book.
I mentioned before that this book reads like an action movie, and the art drives this home. One panel uses the technique where the person closest to the camera is blurry, which makes you focus on the person behind (usually because your camera can’t focus on both perspectives at the same time). There is also plenty of blood and cursing to go along with some heavy themes, so this book is not for young readers.
The nice thing about Commander Rao is it is a one shot that you can enjoy without a huge commitment. If the idea of a futuristic female John Wick assaulting a base full of baddies sounds intriguing, give Commander Rao a try.
COMMANDER RAO is now available.
Are you going to pick up the issue? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter.
