- Writer: Max Bemis
- Artist: Eryk Donovan
- Colorist: Cris Peter
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Designer: Tim Daniel
Thanks to Vault Comics for the review copy!
HEAVY is a high concept series about a guy who died, but has to police the multi-verse to work off a debt to be reunited with the woman he loves. Basically, Bill has to beat up or kill people through time or space that deserve it. The best thing about this series is it doesn’t take itself too seriously. While the idea of traveling to mete out justice could be dark and gritty, this book is quite funny.
The first issue does a great job of building the in-between world Bill occupies between missions. We see Bill’s origin story, which helps explain where he is and why he does what he does. Interestingly, Bill is drawn as a pretty regular looking guy, complete with a bit of a gut. We get to meet some of his coworkers, complete with the witty banter that movies often use in assassin coworker situations. Most impressively, HEAVY sets out clear rules and how things work, which is very helpful when introducing such a way-out-there concept.
Where a series might be limited by a time-travel theme, the inclusion of a multiverse opens up a wide array of potential scenarios, with twists on historical figures. The featured baddie in this issue is hilarious and creepy at the same time. Perhaps this bears some warning, there are a fair amount of male genitalia to go along with the bloody violence featured on this mission. One splash page in particular featured some creative ways to kill people arrayed in an awesomely original layout. Add in some curse words, and you have a series definitely warranting some parental discretion.
If you are looking for an original concept that manages to combine some humor and violence, HEAVY is worth a read. The issue is a near perfect introduction to a new series. While it tells a self contained story, it also ends with a great tease for the future.
HEAVY #1 will be released on September 16th, 2020.
Check back in a few weeks for my thoughts on the second issue of HEAVY.
Are you going to pick up the issue? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
