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Lucas Stand was one of the best BOOM! series I’ve ever read. From Son of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter and writer Caitlin Kittredge, it mixed time travel up with demons with a scruffy military veteran hero who had no reason to live. Not only was it cinematic, but it was entertaining all the way to the end. It’s getting a sequel this week, carrying forward the reluctant hero who could use some rescuing of his own.
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy) is back with a follow-up to his first original comic book series Lucas Stand. Military vet Lucas Stand has been forced to hunt demons on the orders of his master Gadrel. Now he has finally managed to break free and strike out on his own. However, his actions have garnered him a formidable reputation and it’s not just the demons who are after him this time… Co-Writer Caitlin Kittredge (Coffin Hill) and illustrator Jesús Hervas (Penny Dreadful) return to join creator Kurt Sutter on the next chapter of his supernatural anti-hero.
Why does this matter?
This is the first chance for Lucas to actually be a hero who stops the bad guys. Before he was stuck in a constant chase, but now he can enact justice his own way.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Lucas is a bad man.
This issue kicks off with an intense interrogation scene which helps solidify the fact that Lucas is much more in charge than ever before. He’s not only comfortable jumping through time, but giving demons a good ass kicking in the process. The story jumps around quite through time which is a lot different than the first story arc that had a single jump every issue. Lucas visits colonial America, the 70’s, and other locations that give the supernatural element a run for its money.
This issue also introduces a new character who is very aware of the demons and time travel stuff but is totally cool with it. Introducing this character was a strong move by the creative team as it not only normalizes all the fantastical but it helps add to the rules of the game. These new rules play a big part in how Lucas can time travel–or recently have trouble time travelling–and adds a new wrinkle to the narrative.
Jesús Hervas illustrates this issue with color artist Alex Guimaraes and together they deliver a unique style that has a painterly quality. That gives the time travelling bits a dreamlike feel. There’s an appropriate level of detail to clothing which is a staple of good time travel adventures. Demons, and the blood Lucas makes them spurt, is grungy and realistic looking too.
Time travel is different in this series.
It can’t be perfect can it?
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Lucas has a big confrontation with a main demon that ends up sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s an exposition-heavy scene that slows things down, taking away from the crisp pacing that preceded it.
This is not very new reader friendly. I’d be surprised if anyone read this who didn’t read the first volume, but know that you probably should. It jumps right in with this adventure and won’t have the same impact going in blind.
Is It Good?
I liked this first issue in a follow up series about demons and time travel. It does well to add a new key character and some additional rules to change things up.
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