51 #1 (Mad Cave Studios)

When the Presidents screw up of a son gets into some real hot water, what do you do with him? Send him to Area 51 of course. This sounds like the perfect idea until you put him with other screw ups, and then you multiple the potential damage to National Security.

51 #1 – Written By Curt Pires – Art By Jok - Letters By Micah Myers - Published By Mad Cave Studios

Credit: Mad Cave Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Harvey remembers the day that changed his life when he was a child. A car accident that claimed the life of his sister and mother that he blames on himself because he and his siblings wanted ice cream. This has led to him becoming a drug and alcohol addicted party boy who always finds a way to mess up. When his money ran out, he pawned his laptop to fuel another party night. But when you’re the son of the President of the United States that’s not exactly a great idea. Now once again he has disappointed his father, and this time his dad sends him somewhere where he shouldn’t be able to cause anymore trouble, Area 51. Unfortunately, he’s not the only screw up there, so this may have just become a National Security issue.

WRITING:

This is a super interesting first issue setting up what should be a very interesting series. Curt Pires has crafted an insane and fun world with this book. The emotional backstory that opens the issue makes the reader feel bad for Harvey. Pires then flips the switch and turns this screw up with a tragic history into a loveable loser that the reader starts to sympathize with. The whole time Pires brings the humor with the ridiculous situations and familiar stories ripped from the headlines. The true extent of the promise of what is to come is teased at the end of the issue.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this first issue is unique and really catches the reader’s eye. Jok brings a warped realistic style to the art, which gives the art a sense of realism. The semi-realistic artwork allows for the emotional story in the beginning to really resonate with the reader. At the end of the book the art gives way a little to something a little crazier, which sets the tone with what we find out in the closing pages. Jok also utilizes the color choices to really emphasize the story and what’s going on.

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Final Thoughts:

51 #1 is a fun and unique book with a lot of heart and some cool conspiracy undertones. The world is unique and the story is a little crazy. But the untold parts that are yet to be seen are the most promising. This is a series that I will be looking forward to seeing how it develops over the next issues with some high hopes. If you want a different and fun first issue you can fall in love with, grab a copy of 51 #1 when you visit the LCS this week.

FINAL GRADE: 8/10

Let me know your thoughts on 51 #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!