Connect with us
Port of Earth #1 Review

Comic Books

Port of Earth #1 Review

Well worth your time.

[amazon_link asins=’B07558XBQV’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’25a41d56-c358-11e7-8f38-373314cb8ea5′]

Zack Kaplan hit the comic book scene last year with his first book titled Eclipse, a story revolving around a solar event causing the Sun to have the capability to burn people alive. Kaplan captured lightning in a bottle his first go around, and Eclipse became a hit. Now he has returned with Port of Earth, a story about alien beings striking a deal with Earth to refuel their ships with our ocean water. But all deals have a cost. Does Zack capture lightning a second time? Let’s find out!

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Port of Earth #1 Review

What is Port of Earth?

I basically broke it down in the previous paragraph, but allow me to go into more detail. The people of Earth have struck a deal with aliens. The aliens get to use our ocean to refuel their ships that operate on water in exchange for sharing their technology, allowing us the secret to turn water into energy, thus solving the Earth’s energy crisis. Seems simple, right? But it wasn’t! A few pesky visitors caused a ruckus in downtown San Francisco resulting in multiple deaths, as well as a billion dollars in property damage.

Enter the ESA, the Earth Security Agency: officers trained to handle the alien encounters if situations start to go sour, preferably without using lethal force. Kaplan introduces us to Rice and McIntyre, who fit the good cop/bad cop roles. The pair soon finds themselves on a murder case that foreshadows the events leading up to the second issue.

Port of Earth #1 Review

But Dave, is it good?

I had to prepare myself before reading Port of Earth #1. I really dig Kaplan’s Eclipse and knew that it was going to be hard for Port of Earth to grab me the same way Eclipse did. And I was right, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like Port of Earth. Kaplan has a decent setup here. I like the idea of water being turned into a source of energy and the fact that aliens are the ones that brought the technology to us.

The good cop/bad cop is a cliché that I don’t love. I know that the characters have to take shape and conform to the story, but for such an interesting story, I was hoping for a more interesting set of characters. I would have liked to have seen an alien paired up with a human, and despite their clear differences, work towards their common goal. Outside of the characters, I do have faith that Kaplan will continue to progress the story and have a twist thrown in here and there.

[amazon_link asins=’B07558XBQV’ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’25a41d56-c358-11e7-8f38-373314cb8ea5′]

Andrea Mutti and Vladimir Popov’s artwork stands out and complements the story well. The art isn’t bright and colorful — it’s dark, moody, and adds to the grim sci-fi tone of the story. Port of Earth has the potential to be a solid comic book. There is a lot of exposition in this first issue, which I am fine with. Let’s get all of that out of the way so the focus can be on the murder mystery and the impact on how the deal with the aliens is crippling the economy by making certain jobs obsolete since water is now the number one source of energy. Port of Earth #1 is well worth your time. Check it out!

Port of Earth #1 Review
Port of Earth #1
Is it good?
The first issue is full of setup, but the premise is very interesting. Kaplan may have another hit on his hands.
The art gives off a classic science fiction movie feel
Intriguing story -- aliens striking deals with Earth
Has the potential to be another hit for Kaplan
The good cop/bad cop characters tend to be a little played out
8.5
Great

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

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup