Magnus: Robot Fighter #1

Magnus: Robot Fighter is the second installment of Jim Shooter’s re-birth of classic Gold Key comics from the 1960’s; a few weeks ago I reviewed Dr. Solar issue 1. Although Dr. Solar was good, Magnus was even better. The issue starts out with pure action, in fact the whole issue is almost non-stop robot destruction at the hands of Magnus. Aside from the great action, this issue does a better job of showing Magnus’ background than the first issue of Dr. Solar did with Dr. Solar; the issue features a nice mini story about how 1-A raised Magnus to become the robot-fighting machine he grew to be. The art in the issue had this special feel to it, it made me reminisce of 60’s style art, but it also had that feel of modern day to it too, which was very intriguing. As for the writing, I felt as though Shooter’s story was more retro in its nature, reminding me of comics from the 60’s and keeping the natural feel of the character.

The issue kept an all around good feel to it during its duration, and has a very good ending that will have the reader wanting the second issue to come out. In addition to the action packed first installment of this arc, this issue, like Dr. Solar, had an extra story attached to it that is a re-print of the original Magnus: Robot Fighter from 1963. The issue gives insight as to what has been kept from the old series and what has been changed for the new. All-around, this issue was solid.



7 out of 10

*Originally Posted on the Chris' Comics Official Website

Doctor Solar: Man of the Atom #1

Doctor Solar is a comic character from the 1960’s that has recently been revived by Dark Horse Comics and is written by the legendary Jim Shooter and illustrated by artist Dennis Callero.

The story takes place a short while after the death and resurrection of Doctor Solar, which I am hoping will be explained in more detail in later issues. The story begins with him deep in battle with an enemy known as Leviathan, who soon turns out to be the creation of an author, which Shooter fails to really elaborate on. It is inferred that nobody knows that Doctor Solar has returned from his untimely death, and keeping his secret identity away from his loved ones and the public seems to be one of the main topics of this issue. Without ruining any of the issue, it is action packed to say the least. One of the things I liked about the issue was the art of Callero. It reminded me of the art of Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), but a little sloppier, not having that crisp clean feeling that McKone offers, but it was good nonetheless.

One of the main selling points of this issue is that it a 48 page issue for under $4! It is rare that you will get that much material for such a low price these days, so based on that premise alone it should be worth giving it a shot, and to top it off there are no advertisements detracting from the page count. In addition, the issue also features a reprint of a segment of Solar #1 from 1962, chronicling Doctor Solar’s origins. This is extremely useful when helping a new reader understand the character, especially because there are many storyline and origin holes in this new series. I would even recommend giving the reprinted issue a read before trying to tackle the new content. Also, having this extra material really beefs up the issue, making the issue more than worth cover price, so make sure to check it out, it will be worth your time.

7 out of 10

Originally Posted on the Chris' Comics Official Website