I like myself some Superman, heck, I even like Lex in a way.
When it comes to new superhero comics, I have a go-to theme that I like too, and that’s of the Superman gone bad vs. the world and the super villain gone good to stop him.
While that’s not exactly the case here, as seen in The Mighty or Irredeemable, but Chris Roberson and Dennis Culver’s Edison Rex (Monkeybrain comics) transforms the world’s most formidable super bad guy into the man who will save the world. It won’t be easy for him, and it also won’t be easy for him to shake his bad public perception as he puts on the hero hat. IDW Publishing has released the first volume of the digital first Monkeybrain comic, a great independent comics gift idea this season.
When Valiant, Protector of Earth, is exposed to knowledge of why he is really here (aliens from a doomed planet sent his RNA here to conquer our race) by criminal genius Edison Rex, he chooses to kill himself instead of wait to be activated by his doomed planet’s signal. Fans of recent issues of Superior Spider-Man will catch this trope immediately, as Edison Rex makes an equally hard decision. No longer having to use his inveterate hate for Valiant, he decides to take up the mantle of superhero! Of course his loyal female sidekick M’Laizz has her eyes set on world domination still, and needs some convincing. Much like Strax the Sontaran from Doctor Who, M’Laizz does go along with the plan, no matter how helpful to the puny human race!
This comic is like rolling around naked in a million dollar bills on your bed, or a million comics (though you could probably guess my preference as to the best paper to roll on!). Roberson has tapped into and referenced so many comic stories from the Silver Age to now, and not just Superman, but Thor, Howard the Duck, Crisis on Infinite Earths, Bizarro Superman, Invincible, Fantastic Four, Fortress of Solitude, Cerebro, Superman robots, throw a little Grodd and The Venture Bros. and you have got just the first volume! Rao only knows what’s in store next! (Actually, the next six issues are available on ComiXology, Issue #12 drops on Wed. Dec. 4!)
The compelling impetus to this recommendation doesn’t lie in the Easter Eggs or pastiche the book provides, but rather in the fun of it all! Imposed by at 12+ age suggestion on ComiXology this is an all ages superhero book fun for everyone.
The Eisner-Award winning publisher Roberson is the king of the cliffhanger and there is plenty of humor for everyone here. Nevermind the inter dimensional variants, H.O.R.N.E.T. and the inappropriate flirtations of L.A.R.V.A., issue #2’s fight with the “billion dollars and …one large pizza” demanding Nuclear Norseman will have you in stitches even if you have never heard of Donald Blake!
Co-creator Dennis Culver’s character designs as well have a great clean and classic comic feel to them, similar to the work of Mike Allred or even Chris Samnee. Check out some of his suitable for framing prints over at his website.
Big action pays off with his bad guy punching scenes and his to be revealed Monkey-World Justice League! I can’t wait to see what the simians are up to in Vol. 2.
While your retailer might not have this in stock (remember kids, it never hurts to ask your LCS to special order something!) you can still get this book from Amazon before the Holidays hit. Oh wait, the holidays are already upon us!
Can Edison Rex save us from … ourselves?
