Connect with us
Helena Crash #1 Review

Comic Books

Helena Crash #1 Review

A badass female protagonist, a future where aliens and robots walk among us, and coffee smuggling all combine to make Helena Crash. The question is, is it good?

Helena Crash #1 (IDW)

Helena Crash #1 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about? The official summary reads:

From writer Fabian Rangel Jr (Space Riders) and artist Warwick Johnson-Cadwell (Tank Girl) comes a new pulse pounding, caffeine fueled, sword swinging, machine-gun firing, car crashing sci-fi adventure comic! In a future where coffee is illegal, Helena is a courier, delivering black market goods to anyone who can afford her services. When Rojo, a ruthless crime boss, asks her to assassinate his rival, the alien mobster known as White Demon, Helena finds herself in the middle of a gang war! To survive, Helena must use all of her skills, and seek help from her friends to stay ahead of her enemies!

Why does this book matter?

What drew me to this series was Warwick Johnson-Cadwell’s art, which is all kinds of fantastic. It has a 2D vibe most will know from his work on Tank Girl and it has a graffiti feel that’s quite unique. Add in a science fiction type story with a strong female lead and you’ve got me hooked!

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Helena Crash #1 Review
What a crazy world.

This is a visually arresting title that opens fast and furious with a car chase. Johnson-Cadwell’s style is chaotic, yet somehow pulls together beautifully with a great use of bright colors. The world is filled with impossible angles, strange characters, and interesting textures. It’s the type of art that feels very unique (again, somewhat reminiscent to Jim Mahfood’s work) in a way that makes you wish there was an animated cartoon in this style. The main protagonist has cool tattoos, and hair that’s somehow alive. There isn’t a panel that doesn’t tell you something about the character or world, which helps flesh things out in ways the captions and dialogue can’t.

Speaking of the writing, Fabian Rangel Jr. has laid out a compelling world for its protagonist, named Helena, to habitate. She’s clearly street smart and has to be as her job to get people hard to find things requires a savviness. The story introduces her in the thick of an action sequence, but we’re privy to a bit of character work as we learn how she grew up in a boxing ring and the types of folks she works with. Overall, this is a solid first issue that introduces the key players, the conflict, and Helena adequately.

Helena Crash #1 Review
She pulls that trigger like it’s nothing.

It can’t be perfect can it?

The art certainly makes it clear this is a book that’s about fun, but I still was left scratching my head as to how there are werewolves and robot men walking about in the future. The story here basically sets up Helena and the conflict she has with a new villain, but the world is somewhat vague. The chaotic nature of it all makes you wonder what the deal is, but if you stick to the rules laid out about this world (like why coffee is so hard to find) it’s not so bad.

Is It Good?

Overall, Helena Crash #1 is a satisfying introduction to the key players, conflict, and protagonist in a visually arresting way.

Helena Crash #1 Review
Helena Crash #1
Is It Good?
The wild world Helena inhibits is made whole due to visually arresting art in a comic you won't want to put down.
Visually arresting art you won't want to miss
Rojo is an interesting character in a very wacky world
Introduces the conflict and villain well
It'd be nice if the robots and werewolves that live among us in the future were explained
9
Great
Buy Now

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Comic Books

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men' X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men'

X-Men Monday #244 – Christos Gage Talks ‘Weapon X-Men’

Comic Books

'Batman: Dark Age' #1 is an intriguing reinterpretation of the Caped Crusader's beginnings 'Batman: Dark Age' #1 is an intriguing reinterpretation of the Caped Crusader's beginnings

‘Batman: Dark Age’ #1 is an intriguing reinterpretation of the Caped Crusader’s beginnings

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup