SPACEMAN #1

Sure, there's been a lot of big events in the comic book world this year and a slew of new books and a hell of a lot going on. BUT...I've been anticipating this book, Spaceman, more than the rest. Why? Well, duh, it's Eduardo Risso and Brian Azzarello back together on a Vertigo title. This time it's sci-fi. If you don't remember, these two did 100 issues of 100 Bullets. Over the summer they put out a semi-cool 3-part Batman tale. They work well together. They're like the Albert and Costello or the Frazier and Ali of the comic book world. And while the first issue of nine of Spaceman isn't extraordinary, it's definitely engrossing, interesting, different, and pretty to look at. The story has a half-man half-ape dude that explored space for the government but is now retired, addicted to drugs, into cyber porn, and engulfed in a case of a missing girl amidst a bleak Dystopian future world. The dialogue by Azzarello is a lot like the future-slang of A Clockwork Orange. It's oft-putting at first, but really brings this future world to life. & the art by Risso is so unique, so flawless and fluid and dream-like. Reading this is like going to another world. Which is kind of the point. ***