Connect with us
VS #1 Review

Comic Books

VS #1 Review

The characters are solid and the action is exciting — and there is plenty of it.

[amazon_link asins=’B0785F44JN’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’757c5265-0642-11e8-a685-4becde31f8ab’]

Science fiction mixed with sports has always been an exciting concept. Rollerball, Death Race 2000, and The Running Man are classic examples. Gather up some athletes, convicts, or what have you. Conjure up a crazy competition, and the crowd will come! In Image’s VS, the game is war. It is privatized, a form of entertainment, and every move made is live.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Tell me more!

Science fiction stories mixed with sports is my jam, so I was excited to get my hands on VS. The setting is future Earth. The sport is war, total war, when victory’s a massacre! Sorry, my inner Slayer slipped out. But everything I said is true and broadcast on live TV, complete with commentators, sponsors, and commercial breaks.

The story focuses on the rise and fall of a legend named Satta Flynn. He is the all-star of this wild sporting event, but eventually those stars fall. Flynn has fallen on hard times due to injury, but he is determined to return to the battlefield. He also has issues dealing with the attention that his fame draws. The constant violence he has been subjected to over a long period of time has affected Flynn and the person he could have been.

VS #1 Review

Extra Limbs? Check! Cool ass visor? Check! Big ass gun? Check!

So Dave, is it good?

The first issue of VS is very entertaining. It stresses the act of war above everything; the world is built around it. Esad Ribic’s artwork is fantastic. He takes the war to another level with the technology used by the combatants. His designs include extra robotic limbs, jetpacks, and an impressive arsenal of laser cannons. Despite all the fancy weaponry, war is still hell. It is ugly, brutal, and extremely cruel. Ribic does just as well getting that idea across visually. Nic Klein’s muted color palette is a nice touch. Everyone loves a good Michael Bay explosion, but Klein’s colors don’t glamorize the act of war. His art displays how grim it really is.

[amazon_link asins=’B0785F44JN’ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’911cff92-06a4-11e8-b063-e7fe8495854d’]

Ivan Brandon has created a fascinating world. War is pure hell, but there is always time to take a break for refreshing, cold, Cherry Combat! The product tie-ins along with the commercial breaks are an entertaining break from the hardcore action that is laid out within the pages. Flynn comes across as a no-nonsense player in the game whose only meaning on Earth is to win battles. There is a feeling that if he isn’t a winner, he is nothing. Brandon does an excellent job reflecting that aspect of Flynn’s personality.

Overall, VS is a sold comic book. I wasn’t a fan of the way the story was broken up, but don’t let that deter you from checking it out. The characters are solid and the action is exciting — and there is plenty of it. So, if you dig science fiction and sport mash ups, then I suggest you check out VS!

VS #1 Review
VS #1
Is it good?
The characters are solid and the action is exciting -- and there is plenty of it.
Interesting characters make for an interesting story!
The artwork and weaponry designs are slick looking
Battles are intense
Product tie-ins and commercial breaks are amusing
Wasn't a big fan of how the issue is broken up.
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

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup