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Rocketo #1
Written by Frank Espinosa and Marie Taylor
Drawn by Frank Espinosa
Published by Speakeasy Comics; 2.99 USD

Rocketo announces itself as a fantasy/adventure epic by the first page. The book is read sideways, making each page seem like something off of a movie screen. There aren't many pages read before we learn of the mighty lineage of Rocketo's family (told to us through hologram in an observatory floating above the world) who earned names like "Star Maker" and "Light Bringer." Our hero is the product of two rival clans. We even learn of some of the different humanoid beasts walking around. It's all presented with such grandeur not much different than Star Wars or what Darwyn Cooke's New Frontier would grow to be.

Espinosa's artwork makes his and Taylor's effort seem worth it. Dark brush lines are used really loosely so that everything feels intense. The characters' emotions are clear and fierce. Espinosa animation experience is evident on the first look. Character designs are simple and also very strong, ready for anything Espinosa's imagination throws at them.

It's Espinosa's imagination that really shines within the oversized pages of this book. The undersea creatures and castles are impressive, they definitely realize the scope of what's being out forth here. The books' format might seem like a gimmick at fist but it is soon evident that that's the only way Espinosa could create this fantastic world he wants to share. The coloring especially creates some stunning visuals, due to Espinosa's masterful ways of making what looks like watercolors mix with his liberated drawing style.

While the epic adventure is captivating due to the amazing art I often did feel like the many captions and stories felt like a lecture. By the time the book's getting around to the history of Ultamo I felt perhaps a little too much was being piled on for one issue. It's not that Espinosa and Taylor's writing can't shine. Many of the dialogue scenes between Rocketo and his parents were in fact well done. It's just that with a book that looks this good it would be nice to drop some of the captions and let a sequence or two fly on its looks alone.

It is a massive adventure story and it is one that has just begun. Rocketo feels like a real work of creative imagination brought alive by masterful skill. It can really be something.

-- Ian Brill

Send review copies to:
Ian Brill
750 Font Blvd. B 525
San Francisco, CA 94132

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