Publisher: Boom Studios/Archaia
Created by Trevor Crafts; Co-Creators Matthew Daley & Bruce Boxleitner
Written by Paul Jenkins and Mathew Daley
Illustrated by Carlos Magno
Colors by Chris Blythe
First things first, Lantern City is an absolutely gorgeous books. Truly, Carlos Magno’s art and Chris Blythe’s colors are near perfect. They bring to life the Steampunk, dystopia that is Lantern City.
It has to, because their work is what carries this title and is the biggest selling point for this series.
The story is where this book struggles.
Don’t get me wrong, the characters are good, the writing is good, but the oft-trodden dystopian story is formulaic and by-the-numbers. It even throws in the standard rebel gathering that is raiding and proves to be the turning point that convinces a character to do something.
The story of the lowers dregs of society fighting for equality with the higher ups is been there done that. Nothing in this first issue does anything to change that up.
It is a decent enough first issue, but something more need to happen from here on out.
FINAL THOUGHT: Lantern City #1 is not a bad book. But like so many others, it doesn’t rise above average, and that is a shame with the talent involved.
If you are an art first or art only comic book fan, than snatch this book up. If you prefer an all around product, then this might be a pass for you.
RATING: 6 (I am giving it an extra point for the tremendous art)
