PRAIRIE GODS #1, by Mad Cave Studios on 9/4/24, begins a new anthology series, starting with a retired championship driver who isn’t satisfied until he wins a race against the Devil.
Credits:
- Writer: Shane Connery Volk
- Artist: Shane Connery Volk
- Colorist: Shane Connery Volk
- Letterer: Becca Carey
- Cover Artist: Shane Connery Volk (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: September 4, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of PRAIRIE GODS #1:
First Impressions:
When we mentioned we couldn’t wait to see what the critically acclaimed artist on Nottingham would do next, we didn’t have to wait long. Shane Connery Volk steps into artist and writing duties for an episodic series with a Twilight Zone-ish feel, and the debut issue is absolutely worth your time and money.
Plot Analysis:
Prairie Gods #1 begins with a B&W flashback to the final race of Freddy Davis. Freddy is determined to win the race and retire on a high note, earning a big payday for his efforts. When the checkered flag flies, Freddy is the victor.
Shane Connery Volk sets the tone and timbre of the issue perfectly by establishing Freddy’s character as a hard-driving, laser-focused man. His need to be the best overshadows all other factors, and you can see it in just a glance.
A year later, Freddy retired to Broadacres and purchased a closed racing track for his personal use. Sheriff Reade pulls Freddy over on a drive home to inquire about his purchase, but the stop is interrupted when the Sheriff receives a call about a deadly crash a few miles away.
Since this is an episodic anthology, the Sheriff’s stop has no bearing on the rest of the issue. That said, the deadly crash will likely be referenced again or highlighted in a forthcoming issue.
Later, the daughter of Freddy’s late friend (her name isn’t mentioned) comes by to check in on him in his garage. He explains he bought the old track because he has to know, beyond all doubt, that he’s faster than the fastest thing he’s ever seen, and that thing is on that old track.
Without giving you any more clues, Volk gets your curiosity up with a small bit of dialog to foreshadow something unusual in the air. When done correctly, a small phrase can make all the difference in building anticipation.
The issue concludes with Freddy starting a solo race, a new driver entering the track soon enough, and a fiery outcome.
Overall, Prairie Gods is a cool, fun, entertaining fable about a man whose need for speed turns into something otherworldly. There aren’t enough episodic anthologies in comics, but it looks like Volk and Mad Cave are determined to make a good case for more.
Artwork and Presentation:
If you’ve read Nottingham, you already have an idea about Shane Connery Volk’s unique style and flair for gritty visuals. Here, that style takes on a different dimension with the organic integration of cars and landscapes to take Volk’s macho aesthetic up several notches.
Art Samples:
Final Thoughts:
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PRAIRIE GODS #1 is a hard-hitting, dust-kicking tale about a retired driver who wants to beat the fastest thing in Heaven or Hell. Shane Connery Volk’s Twilight Zone-ish vibe is super entertaining, and his art looks as good as ever.
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