Comic Book Review: Firefly - Brand New Verse #1

Rob Lake reviews Firefly: Brand New Verse #1...

While Firefly may have ended its one season televison run 18-years ago, it's world has been expanded upon via various comics ever since. This new series just so happens to not only expand the Firefly universe, it also ties into BOOM! Studios' ongoing Firefly series too! 

Brand New Verse takes place 20-years after the events of Serenity with the story focusing on, Emma Alleyane Washburne. Emma just so happens to be the daughter of Firefly characters Zoe Washburne and Hoban “Wash” Washburne. Taking place on the much older Serenity, we follow Emma and her crew as they attempt to make a living as Smugglers in a much less hostile universe. 

Writer, Josh Lee Gordon gives us a story that pulls on the nostalgia of both Firefly and Serenity. It's done in a way that keeps the sprit of what makes the show a cult hit, to then take the universe in a different direction. Gordon has done a great job in capturing the essence of the Firefly universe. Even with the natural progression of change, the whole creation is very tight and spot on. Each new character introduced is just as diverse as the original crew and again, Gordon has done a great job in portraying the familiar feeling of nostalgia and family. 

Fabiana Mascolo brings a nice style to the art work, and is one that centers on fun. It's worth noting that Mascolo has done a grand job in portraying Zoe Washburne. With returning characters it's hard not to compare them to their real-life counterpart. To Mascolo's credit Zoe has the likeness of actor Gina Torres but the design detracts you from seeing tha original actor rather than Zoe. Colours come from Lucia DiGimarino who gives a very crisp, clean palette to the proceedings. There's a nice shift in tone as the setting changes from the sleek, clean look of the universe, to the rusted, worn look of the Serenity. 

Fans of Firefly and Serenity will of course lap this new series up. While it is good, there's a little too much nostalgia at play. Whether the nostalgia tap tightens during the next issues we'll have to wait and see. But either way, this ones a fun opening. 

Rating 8/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev