REVOLUTION 9 #1, by Mad Cave Studios on 9/25/24, introduces the readers to The Order, a secret cabal of puppet masters and assassins tasked with guiding history to a slow revolution at a bloody cost.
Credits:
- Writer: Mark London
- Artist: Carlos Reno
- Colorist: João Canola
- Letterer: Dave Sharpe
- Cover Artist: Rossi Gifford (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: September 25, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 22
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of REVOLUTION 9 #1:
First Impressions:
If nothing else, you can always count on Mark London to turn in the best work at Mad Cave Studios, so Revolution 9 #1 is almost certain to be one of the best books this week. The story of a secret organization that steers history through money and murder isn’t a new concept, but the betrayal at the heart of this story makes this issue a cut above.
Plot Analysis:
Revolution 9 #1 begins with two men, Volta and Thorn, discussing a breach in their network by a hacker who stumbled upon something very dangerous. To deal with the problem, Volta assigns Revolution Velveteen 9 for the kill. However, 9’s loyalties are in question after another assignment, so Revolution Indigo 4 is sent as a backup to eliminate the target and 9 if the mission fails.
Admittedly, it takes a few pages to get your footing at the start of Mark London’s tale. You’re not given any context about who the two men are, who they’re talking about, or the particulars of what’s taken place to warrant an assassination. The blanks eventually get filled in, but it’s a shaky start.
During the mission prep, 9 recalls how she and her twin sister were separated early in life after 9 killed an abusive cop who would visit them in their orphanage. Volta took her in and trained her to become an assassin while her sister was sent to a foster home. In a second flashback, we see how 9 fell in love with a man named Cain, who was killed by enemies of The Order. Volta reminded 9 that their revolution can only come about if she kills their enemies before their enemies kill The Order.
London mixes in multiple flashbacks to establish a lot of backstory and motivation in a very short amount of pages. To be clear, the scenes are complete and easy to follow, but the information delivery feels slightly rushed.
Once the mission commences, 9 disguises herself as a delivery person to trick the hapless hacker into letting her into his apartment. The hacker, Jasper Dean, willingly turns over all information as soon as 9 points a gun in his face. However, 9 ignores the order to kill Jasper on site. As soon as 4 concludes 9 has deviated from the mission, she orders the backup team to kill Jasper and 9.
The issue concludes with a deadly escape, a history lesson, and a death in the family.
Overall, Revolution 9 #1 efficiently builds a ton of lore, character development, and plot into a tight space, giving readers plenty of story for the cover price. That said, the issue has a few shaky spots that keep a very good comic from being great.
Artwork and Presentation:
Carlos Reno’s artwork is a standout in this first issue. Reno’s pencil/ink detail is exceptional, the panel layouts are fantastic, and João Canola’s coloring application is exceptional. By far, Revolution 9 #1 is one of the best-looking comics from Mad Cave in recent memory.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
During the “history lesson” portion of the comic, The Order’s files state that their mission was started by a Roman named Tarquinius Superbus. In reality, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was the seventh and final King of Rome, so the story uses a historical figure to give The Order’s origin an air of authenticity.
Final Thoughts:
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
REVOLUTION 9 #1 is a tight action comic packed with secret cabals, assassins, and dramatic character moments that could shake the hidden pillars of the world. London covers an astounding amount of world- and character-building in a small space, and the art is some of the best we’ve seen from Mad Cave. However, there are a few rushed spots, so this very good comic is just short of great.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.