BEN 10 #1 (DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT)
A new vision of a fan favorite character gets ready to hit pop culture with the power of the Omnitrix!
BEN 10 #1 by Joe Casey, Duncan Rouleau, Joe Kelly, Robert Carey, Steven T. Seagle, Ren Spiller & Taylor Esposito - Published By Dynamite Entertainment starts an all-new adventure with a modern twist.
Let’s take a closer look at this debut chapter!
Credit: Dynamite Entertainment
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
The writing welcomes in new readers to the fantasy world on a solid note. There’s a tease of the dangers forthcoming to Earth before the story gets grounded back to a calmer stage. Ben’s time with his grandpa and cousin reflects the normalcy of everyday life. It doesn’t take long before fate turns events upside down. Readers watch as Ben’s life is changed when the Omnitrix becomes bonded with him.
This move sparks a quicker pace as he deals with his first change and challenge. It leads to a great display of the new found abilities. The audience gets caught up in the action as it leads into new avenues. After the skirmish is over, the fallout constructs an overall picture of suspense to Ben’s future. It leaves events on a curious note, but ensures fans will be back for more.
ARTWORK:
Carey and Spiller lock in on the fantasy aspect with the opening page. Seeing the alien lifeforms hovering in shadows makes an early impression. Events shift to a more familiar world of camping with family. The expressions of the young kids butting heads to their grandpa compliments their banter. Once events swing towards Ben’s discovery of the Omnitrix, the panels fill with wonder and puzzlement. This is a temporary situation as fate forces Ben’s actions quickly.
Readers watch as the dangerous threat comes into view via half page panel. This gets upstaged by a strong unveiling of Four Arms in action. Panels fill with swift action before another change-up occurs. A scorching near full page ushers in the conclusion of the challenge. The aftermath shows the troubles brewing on both Earth and space. A closing panel makes a proclamation of more problems on the horizon. It closes out a solid re-entry for the popular character, much to readers’ delight.
FINAL GRADE: 8.7
The life and times of Ben Tennyson begins with a modest start with endless possibilities. Great writing gives old and new readers a small insight into where this series is heading, The art hits all the key points in what makes this character stand out. This chapter is a perfect example of giving a classic character a fresh restart without losing what make them stand out.
Let me know your thoughts on Ben 10 #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
