BIG BANG ADVENTURES #14, from Big Bang Comics on IndyPlanet, follows Galahad as the death of Mister ? leads him to uncover the existence of a global crime syndicate led by a mysterious immortal.
The Details
- Written By: Pedro Angosto
- Art By: Jorge Santamaría, Juan Moreno
- Colors By: Daniele Caramanico
- Letters By: Adam Pruett
- Cover Art By: Jorge Santamaría, Juan Moreno
- Cover Price: $5.99 (Print-on-Demand), $0.99 (digital)
- Release Date: December 2021
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Was It Good?
BIG BANG ADVENTURES #14 is a whole heap of classic superhero fun from start to finish. For an independent comic, this adventure delivers those Bronze Age Comics feelings far better than anything coming out of the Big 2 right now. It’s not perfect, but what you get in this double-sized issue is well worth the cover price.
The story centers around Galahad, a former sidekick turned independent hero who comes into possession of information that a vast criminal network has been operating from the shadows for centuries. The discovery forces him to evolve as a hero and seek the help of other heroes to get a group back together to confront an ancient evil. This is classic superhero storytelling with everything from flashy-yet-practical costumes, secret lairs, nefarious villains, and impossible challenges that must be overcome for the sake of the world.
Angosto’s writing captures everything long-time comic readers love about the Bronze Age, including unique character voices and backgrounds. The one point that doesn’t quite work is also one of this comic’s strengths. Angosto goes to great lengths to create a lived-in world with a superhero story going back decades. Some characters have gone through powerset changes, costume changes, and even name changes. While that plethora of detail presents readers with a world that feels like it’s part of a publishing regime that’s been around for a long time (when it hasn’t), the number of name changes, costume changes, and relationship connections can get confusing. For example, the speedster of the group, Overdrive, went through at least three costume changes and codename changes in just this one issue. Sometimes, it’s too much to keep straight.
Overwhelming background details aside, the plot is clear, the dialog sounds natural, and the stakes are high.
As for the art, again, this comic delivers a perfect homage to the Bronze Age of comics. The character designs are unique and just the right amount of corny to reflect a Bronze Age aesthetic. The linework and background details are excellent. Some of the color choices for the character costume contrast harshly, but again, it fits the aesthetic even if it isn’t completely eye-pleasing.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
At the request of Big Bang Comics, this review is plot- and spoiler-free.
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Final Thoughts
BIG BANG ADVENTURES #14 is a fantastic example of creating a modern comic that takes inspiration from the Bronze Age without devolving it into parody. The created world feels lived in, the character designs are new-yet-familiar, and the adventure at hand is a genuine threat to the world.
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