As times change … so too does our definition of heroes.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artwork: Evan Shaner & Craig Rousseau
Colorist: Hi-Fi & Jeremy Lawson
Letterer: Dave Lanphear
What They Say:
When the adventurous and inquisitive Jonny Quest and his adoptive brother Hadji make a startling discovery in the swamplands of Florida, they are pulled into an epic struggle between the Space Rangers and a dangerous villain who threatens the galaxy.
Now it’s up to the combined forces of Team Quest, Inter-Nation Security, Space Ghost, and a host of Hanna-Barbera’s greatest action heroes to stop him and save their universe!
Content (please note that portions of a review may contain spoilers):
As the influence of Omnikron continues to wreck havoc upon the world, Team Quest continues their search for clues as to the origins of the energy vortices. Having defeated their reptilian foe, they continue onward to the Messicks’ camp site and the mysterious petroglyphs that have a story to tell about a prehistoric protector and his fate against an ancient Sky God. In their final battle, the savior managed to defeat the gruesome foe though succumbs to his injuries, but not before he buried his weapon in a nearby tar pit. Fortunately, that same mire still exists in the present day, but Don’s parents have not been able to find any such artifact in the months they have been searching. However, as they make their way to the morass, another fearsome enemy lies in wait, not wishing to allow anyone to capture their prize.
However as this crisis continues, filming for the Impossibles television proceeds on schedule. But as the crew sets up the next scene and prepares for special effects, the gang decides to relax until they are confronted by a reporter for Timeatron Online – Esme Santos. At first, they are suspicious about the girl and also considering that their boss told them not to do any interviews, but the temptation to talk more about their music soon lures them to sit down. As she begins establishing background about the band, the subject of a specific play date upon a cruise ship is brought up, which causes the guys to balk at the subject. Esme seems to know more about the incident than they do and they listen eagerly as she reveals that the terrorist organization F.E.A.R. was behind the whole accident. The guys don’t remember much, but this interviewer seems to know facts which appear to be more speculation than facts. Who is she and why is she so intent in interrogating them about that night?
In Summary:
Future Quest keeps getting better with each passing issue and of course, this book is no exception especially when it allows writer Jeff Parker to update the bias of the original material. But the best part is that he was able to keep the premise of the old shows without having to alter anything so radically that it strayed away from the Hanna-Barbera innocence. It was great to see a modernization of those series with new ideas for the current generation without poisoning them with racial and gender prejudices from the sixties. Of course, I am speaking of the introduction of two new heroes into the Mightor and The Impossibles universes, namely Ty and Esme. Normally, if you watch anything from that time period, an African-American would be cast in the role of a thug or servant and a female would be a sexy sidekick, assistant or secretary, but Parker broke away from those molds and used them in more current fashion. At first I wondered why he kept Jonny and Hadji’s companion when all Ty did was lend them his swamp boat, but now we begin to see the gears turning and how this escapade with Team Quest has changed him; but as for our reporter Esme, the use of having her at ground zero does make sense since we all know that fallout isn’t selective, turning people into friend and foe alike. And to add to the charm of the episode, Parker also added numerous cameos: namely Secret Squirrel and Morocco Mole, Esme’s outlet called Timeatron Online – named after a villain from the original plus those seen at during the filming and lastly, a nod to another great series from DC, Scooby Apocalypse. I for one cannot wait to see what more surprises will be added next time if Parker keeps up this terrific narrative, but then again, where else can he go but up?
And if you thought the story itself was great, then what more can be said for the amazing work of Evan Shaner and Craig Rousseau when they are highlighted by the fantastic color palettes of Hi-Fi & Jeremy Lawson? While you may not think that the contrasting art style of these two artists may clash, they work brilliantly to define the mood of their perspective stories – Shaner preserves the classic animation with incredible realism, reminiscent of cliffhanger thrillers from that era, all surrounded within a cinematic panorama that Jonny Quest gave to an unexpected audience. This raw vitality erupts from the page enhanced by the speed lines, a primal savagery sustained only by the beautiful colors of Hi-Fi, thrusting us into a world only limited by the imagination. Then on the opposing side of the coin, we are reminded of the comedic cartoonishness of The Incredibles with the signature stylings of Rousseau, which I best remember him from his tenure in Batman Beyond. Those square jaws, over the top costumes and the impressively dramatic pages of the heroes and villain facing off before they clash, all of those elements are secured inside a boldness which he displays within each character, they not knowing their own bounds before they leap into a Kirbyesque fray. Then to magnify his panels, we are handed over to Lawson whose coloring secures the pseudo-psychedelic venue of this sixties show, with an opening which can only be described as magical. While it does tone down as the story progresses, the brightness of those tones serve to maintain the history but at the same, allows for a progression for new readers. Then they end the issue with a cliffhanger … what better than this to tempt us with more brilliance – a classic end to a great story.
What more can you say about this issue than it is a refreshing breath from the old fashioned origins of yore? We begin with a well-established story expanded from each issue and then end with the introduction of new characters and a Hollywood style knuckle biter. Next month cannot come soon enough, so let us burst into battle with a spirited Mightor! and be ready to greet it with a rousing Rally-ho!
Grade: A+
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: DC Comics
Release Date: October 5th, 2015
MSRP: $3.99
