Gonna say it from the get go, Doc Unknown #1 is a fun issue to read. Really fun. Part Batman and Part Indiana Jones, Doc Unknown watches over Gate City, ready to save the day from whatever mayhem may occurs. In this first issue, he attempts to foil a museum heist by Boss Snake, who really looks like a goomba from the Mario movie. Then things get weird.
Doc Unknown is the writer’s love letter to comics. He takes everything he enjoys about comics, the costumes, the gadgets, the heroes with crazy names and ridiculous villains and throws it in with gusto. And it totally works. It’s a really enjoyable read. There’s action, interesting characters, and just enough odd things to keep you reading. Also, there is a surprising amount of depth. While our hero is a man of mystery, there some very good character moments for the supporting cast. The location add to the fun. A museum is the perfect place for an action/heist scene. There’s plenty of relics to steal and exhibits to fight through. This first issue goes a long way to set up what I hope ends up being a long and interesting series.
Really liked the art in this one, looks a little like Luther Strode. The colors are great, and the characters are well drawn. I really liked the different character designs. It helps to enhance the lighthearted, fun feeling. It successfully conveys the noir/mystery feel without resorting to all dark colors.
If I had one complaint for the book is that it feel short. But at only a dollar, it’s hard to complain since what is there has such quality. Doc Unknown #1 is available for download here on Comixology for 99 cents. I highly recommend you do so.
