Comic Books

Money Shot Vol. 1 Review

Maybe if we all have a little Money Shot in our lives the world can be “a better, more beautiful, more peaceful place.”

March 26, 2020

In the not-so-distant future, an advanced alien civilization makes contact with Earth, extending an offer for us to join the civilized universe…but then they realized what a nightmare Earth is. Five years later, during an anti-science presidential administration, America’s scientists struggled to find funding for their projects — until one entrepreneurial scientist comes up with the plan to travel the universe with her colleagues, funded entirely by website subscribers in exchange for said scientists making porn with aliens.

This first arc follows the XXX-Plorers on their initial mission to the planet Dry Reef, with the intention of tracking down the only living master of the Podna Megra technique, which allows someone to reach an orgasm capable of creating energy at the same level as nuclear fission.

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It’s no secret that I’ve been a huge fan of Money Shot, having previously reviewed issues #3, #4 and #5 for this site, as well as covering the first issue on my podcast. This is a series I’ve adored every moment of and there’s no shortage of positive things I can say about it — I mean, I’ve said most of them already. So I’m going to try to avoid taking that route again and repeating myself. Without exception, Money Shot has been my most anticipated read each month.

Each issue has dished out comedy and action in equal measure, consistently demonstrating the strength of the creative team behind the series. Whether it’s Tim Seeley and Sarah Beattie’s excellent sci-fi/comedy writing or Rebekah Isaacs and Kurt Michael Russell’s phenomenal artwork, packed with unique and thoughtful character design, bringing exquisite detail and vibrant coloring to every panel.

Money Shot is a science fiction book about intergalactic porn. It’s also one of the most genuinely fun and heartfelt books I’ve read in years — it’s ridiculous, relatable and a laugh riot. Although the narrative is overtly ridiculous, there’s a lot more to Money Shot than it might seem on the surface. Within the book’s five protagonists we’re treated to a unique cast of characters, each on their own journey, with moments of genuine emotion and the hints of personal relationships that I’m sure we’ll see more of as the series continues.

While it’s a great series to follow in singles, I feel like it does work even better as a trade. I always feel like reading in monthly installments can mean some of the finer details get forgotten, and re-reading Money Shot in trade just furthered my enjoyment of the series, showcasing the comedy, narrative and the change in relationship between the characters throughout the series.