Step Into the Zone...
Story:
After witnessing some deliveries of chemicals being used for processing illicit drugs, a motorcycle riding militant vigilante, DeadZone, follows the delivery truck back to their home base of operations and then slams into action. It fast becomes a battle of one man versus a warehouse full of thugs, and DeadZone is soon outnumbered by his opposition, trapped in the building that he initially stormed into.
Art:
Fans of action-packed books will love this comic. Practically every page features a poster worthy image of the lead character in action. Body armor, motorcycle shots and gun firefights are popping off the pages. If you stare at a page long enough, it seems like you will sense the smell of motorcycle tires burning and feel the heat of spent shells in the air. It all makes for some excellent eye-candy.
Pros:
Where most books over-promise on action and then under-deliver, DeadZone smashes through the boundaries. The panels are big, action-packed and an absolute blast to soak in. Plus, it’s not just “gun on gun” action. This book is mostly in narrative form and you can read DeadZone’s thoughts (although it’s not totally clear about what he’s actually doing or why, until towards the end when his master plan is revealed).
Cons:
This book is too short. Don’t get me wrong, the story had enough room to play out, but with a book this short (and a lead character this cool looking) a double page insert would have been perfect. Or, a longer story in general would be great.
Overall Presentation:
This book looks fantastic, from the opening shot of a guy being electrocuted in an electric chair to DeadZone pulling a wheelie on the last page. And reading the tactical narration of the main character’s plan unfolding (a really brutal plan – this is a “Mature” rated comic) was a cool approach with a vigilante character. Once you figure out why DeadZone is doing certain things, it’s all the more intense. I only wish there was more of it.