Writer/Artist: Zach Howard, Sean Murphy
Publisher: Dark Horse, $12.95
Outer Orbit follows the unfortunate pairing of Quinn the intergalactic pizza boy and Krunk, an ex-cop with mama’s boy with anger issues. Quinn, as clueless as he is lucky, falls for a slutty bounty hunter and in the process drags Krunk into a world of space truckers, mercenaries, prison rape, and sheep.
It’s an interesting creative mix as Howard and Murphy share writing and art duties, switching off at different points in the story but maintaining a flawless flow of style and presentation. The first time I read this I actually didn’t notice they switched off and thought it was the same artist all the way through, but on the second time it’s a bit more noticeable when you know what to look for. While I like both styles a lot, I have to say Murphy’s really really impresses me and I’d like to see more from him. He has a unique story telling method and pacing that’s just incredibly energetic and dynamic. I’ve seen him doing covers for Marvel, just wish there was more interior work. I would think he would be the perfect fit for a Spider-Man story at least. There was a Star Trek Borg special, which was actually pretty fun so that’s worth checking out.
The great thing about this project is that the story is just funny as hell and the art compliments it perfectly. Howard and Murphy do a great job of defining their characters in no time and of creating some great interactions. The plot is fun and paced well, and offers a lot of inventive and somewhat disturbing things you don’t see in sci-fi fiction too much.
The one thing I always like to keep an eye out for in this medium is a funny book that’s actually funny. Considering the amount of gritty realism many creators go for and the lack of just fun super-hero titles, I always consider a find like this to be a gem in the industry. So if you want a sci-fi buddy movie with lots of explosions, needless violence, twisted humor, slutty bounty hunters, and unnecessary space dildos then you should check this out.
If you like this then try: Quantum & Woody, Deadpool, Battlepope
Related Links: Zach Howard
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