Comic Book Review - Cosmic Debris #1

Rob reviews Cosmic Debris #1...

Fresh from his time-travelling adventures with ChronoCat, Stu Perrins is back with another adventure. 

Teaming once again with indie publisher Markosia, Perrins delves into a classic sci-fi tale of aliens, bounty hunters, and planet-destroying weapons. While it may seem to lean into plenty of sci-fi cliché Perrins delivers an opening issue that doesn't hide from that fact. Instead, what we get is something akin to a warm hug from a loved one on a cold night. It's certainly a story that feels familiar. But knowing Perrins, he probably has a few tricks up his sleeve. 

Cosmic Debris kicks off with a loner wandering through a dusty desert. What makes this more striking is that partially submerged in the desert sands is the broken body of Lady Liberty. When then follow this cloaked stranger as they approach a camp that's inhabited by a drunk and angry-looking fellow. After belittling the Stranger for ignoring his plea for help, the settler is soon thrust to one side as a massive robot walks into view. 

Taking no chances the Stranger then throws his dusty jacket to one side in a heroic reveal, to then put three shotgun shells into the towering robot - shattering it in the process. As the dust settles, the Stranger reveals himself as bounty hunter Randall Crux - and the now dormant robot wasn't his target. 

As Randall hauls his bounty back to the local spaceport, Perrins then delves into the "crux" of his story. Switching perspective to the court of King Otto on Planet X, we get some much-needed exposition to the state of the universe. King Otto lamented to the gathered dignitaries that insidious alien gangster - Shrek Orlock has not only evaded capture for murdering the Galactic Governments, but he also has the King in his sights. To make things worse, Orlock also has in his possession a gem that can destroy worlds. 

To aid in Orlock's capture, King Otto tasks space debonair - and former prisoner - O'Hara Lovecraft with the case. With a vendetta to settle against Orlock, Lovecraft is the perfect candidate. Flashing back to Crux, we rejoin the vigilante as he's taking some much-needed R&R. This is soon interrupted by Lovecraft as she comes for his help.

For its small page count, Stu Perrins crams a lot into this opening chapter. We quickly switch from scene to scene as we get introduced to the players that are going to shape this sci-fi adventure. As protagonists go, Randall Crux is a walking talking sci-fi cliché and is perfect for the story being told. A curious mix of Han Solo and Star-Lord, Crux is portrayed as a loner who doesn't ask questions and takes no shit. He's a charismatic fellow who's charming folks in a bar one minute, to then blasting holes into a giant robot the next.

The other side of this partnership is O'Hara Lovecraft. While we don't get a lot of background for Lovecraft, what we do see paints her as someone who's not to be messed with. Not only does she have a grudge against the series antagonist Shrek Orlock, but she also has some past with Crux too.

As mentioned, Perrins jam-packs this issue with plenty of backstory and character-building. It acts as the perfect introduction to this universe and its characters, whilst retaining some mystery. The dynamic between Crux, his droid companion, and Lovecraft is already shaping up to be an interesting one. As is the aptly named Shrek Orlock - watch out fans of Judge Dredd! 

Artist John E. Murphy compliments Perrins' script with a great blend of soft line work and bright colours. There's a lot of variation in focal points that help Murphy portray plenty of body language and facial expressions. Action scenes are also well presented with each being well choreographed. The fight with the robot was particularly enjoyable. 

Even with its seeming reliance on sci-fi clichés, Cosmic Debris gets off to a great start. Perrins does well to mix those familiar genre elements into something that makes you come back for more. The central character of Randall Crux is also a great callback to those lost childhood days pretending to be the dashing space hero, who saves the day and gets the girl. 

And while sci-fi aficionados may see the twists coming Cosmic Debris wraps you in its charming embrace. With the series playing out over 5 parts, I'm fully expecting double crosses, enemies becoming friends, galactic war, and hopefully - a space battle! 

Fingers crossed! 

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