Comic Book Review - V2A The Wasteland Chronicles: Doomsday

Rob reviews V2A The Wasteland Chronicles: Doomsday...

"Mad Max meets the Suicide Squad" is how the Kickstarter page describes this post-apocalyptic tale. And it's a statement that's certainly true! 

V2A The Wasteland Chronicles: Doomsday follows the real-life 'post apocalyptic rock band V2A as they attempt to survive the new world order as a successful band of mercenaries. Coming from the mind of V2A's frontman Drone and writer Dave West, this opening act sees the V2A on the run after backing out of a deal. However in loosing their pursuers the band seemingly travels briefly into the past to then run into a gang of cannibals upon their return to the present. 

From reading the comic you can certainly see how it has been influenced by other post-apocalyptic tales. Mad Max is definitely the biggest influence with the comic featuring an array of high-speed pursuits and a colourful supporting cast. The influences don't just stop at Mad Max and V2A The Wasteland Chronicles: Doomsday has plenty on offer for both fans of 2000 AD and DC's Suicide Squad and many more...

The overall storytelling comes thick and fast as Drone and West chart the V2A's struggle against local Warlord Ms. Relic. The pacing is spot on as the story switches from scenes of gritty combat to the V2A throwing humor and insults (mostly at each other) in the middle of it all. While there is some exposition to past events they're not delved into too much, and as such this allows us to get to know the V2A whilst not slowing down the plot. 

Artwork comes from Gustaffo Vargas (for Toxic) and PJ Holden (for Doomsday). Both artists bring a distinct look and feel to their respective works. Both parts to this opening volume have a tremendous gritty, anarchy feel to them which in turn allows Vargas and Holden to have some fun. Both artists have done a great job crafting characters that not only fit the world, they also feel incredibly real. Whilst Vargas also provides colours for the first story, for the second Holden is backed up by Matt Soffe. Soffe's palette works well with Holden's illustrations and the two bring an almost darker tone to that of Gustaffo Vargas. The raid on the cannibals camp is full of gorgeous oranges that symbolise the camps fire, whilst also plunging plenty of scenes in dark shadows.

Overall V2A The Wasteland Chronicles: Doomsday is a great debut comic. There's plenty of anarchy as the group plough their way across this mysterious Wasteland. With an incredibly talented creative team it's hard to see any negatives throughout the issue. With the only real one being that it's a little too short. However this is only minor and doesn't effect the comics readability. As readers of my reviews will know I'm a big fan of PJ Holden and I hope to see him contribute more goimg forward. Yet I also can't wait to see what Gustaffo Vargas also produces going forward. With a big tease for issue 2 concluding, I can't wait to see what's next. 

Rating 9/10 

You can check out the Kickstarter page by clicking here.

Interested in the V2A? Click here to visit the bands YouTube Channel. 

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