BIG GAME #1, from Image Comics on 7/19/23, begins the crossover event of the Summer when Doctor Crane’s archaeological digs reveal a shocking truth – the villains are in control of the world.
The Details
- Written by: Mark Millar
- Art by: Pepe Larraz
- Colors by: Giovanna Niro
- Letters by: Clem Robins
- Cover art by: Pepe Larraz (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: July 19, 2023
Is It Good?
Multi-title crossover events are a gamble. Calling said crossover the “Event of the Summer,” when it’s not referring to a comic from the Big 2, is a risky proposition. However, we’re pleased to report that Mark Millar got it right on both counts. BIG GAME #1 is the best crossover event of any publisher this Summer, and it’s a crossover done right. Let’s begin.
Mark Millar’s script centers on an Earth-changing archaeological discovery by Doctor Crane of Prodigy fame. Advanced civilizations have existed on Earth long before the accepted historical record. Worse still, superheroes were commonplace until 1986, when a cabal of supervillains wiped them out and erased the memories of all humans. Now, the truth about superheroes is dangerously close to exposure, so the cabal sends Nemesis to ensure the truth remains hidden, no matter how many people he needs to kill.
It’s a simple premise but dense enough to give every Mark Millar fan a barrelful of Easter Eggs, references to other titles, and cameos to wet your whistle. But don’t let the simple premise fool you. BIG GAME #! is a double-sized issue, and Millar uses every square inch of panels to pack in details, character setups, plot developments, and seeds for future issues. Better still, BIG GAME #1 is has a phenomenally brisk pace without feeling rushed or short-changed.
What’s great about this issue? Realistically everything. Millar gives you mountains of story detail and setup presented in a digestible, exciting, and riveting package. The plot progression is fantastic, and Pepe Larraz’s art is excellent (more on that in a minute)
What’s not so great about this issue? It’s a minor nitpick, but it would have helped to have some kind of roster sheet or occasional editor’s note to call out who’s who from their respective titles. Seasoned Millar fans will get the characters immediately, but new readers who want to know the background of each character and why their presence is so meaningful will feel a tad left behind.
How’s the art? Pepe Larraz is a brilliant choice for this series, and the proof of that brilliance is right here on these pages. Larraz gives you the comic equivalent of cinema with beautifully rendered wide shots that convey a bigness to everything happening. Larraz’s figure work is excellent, and the character designs are phenomenal.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a brief prologue describing an Earth populated with superheroes and villains as common as your local grocer. However, the villains hatched a plan to coordinate their efforts to wipe out all heroes at once and blank the memory of Earth’s citizens to forget superheroes ever existed. That was in 1986.
Now, new superheroes are emerging. Doctor Crane’s research uncovers the existence of heroes, aliens, and so many anomalies that can’t be explained away. The truth villains worked so hard to hide is about to be exposed. Wesley Gibson now leads the villain network, and he’s chosen the world’s most dangerous assassin to bury the truth and anyone in his way along with it.
We conclude the issue with a hero coming out of hiding, a trainwreck, and a dead Ambassador.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BIG GAME #1 bills itself as the crossover event of the Summer, and that it is. The issue is filled with dense references to oodles of Millarworld characters and titles to make Millar fans happy but accessible enough to be an exciting read for new readers. Top it all off with Pepe Larraz’s stellar art, and this crossover is a winner.
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