While I agree the American comic is fast becoming extinct, I have to admit there are a few titles that might survive the mass extinction. Innovative titles like Kingdom, Earth X, and Ultimate Marvel have kept me interested enough. And soon to be added to this select list is Gatecrasher by Black Bull Entertainment.
Gatecrasher is the first title to come from this fledgling comic book company. This is not a superhero comic book so let's rejoice for that fact. Gatecrasher, rather is an interesting concept in science fiction and fantasy.
Alec Wagner is a typical high school senior, who just happens to be a half-human, half-alien. Go figure. He is also a member of the Split-Second Squad, a secret alien army that actually protects the Earth from other alien attacks. Various alien species use 'time warps' or gates to enter and attack Earth. The group had a liquid supercomputer that let's the crew know when the next gate is opening so the Split-Second Squad can crash it (hence the title). However, the computer meets an unfortunate demise and is destroyed, and its contents just happened to splash all over Alec's body.
Well, a year later, Alec is a typical struggling College student who also happens to be the only person with the power to sense when and where a gate is about to open and when the invaders will attack. So, tests and mean little girls have to take a backseat, and a job is a no-no. Alec Wagner is always on call. Sounds pretty cool, and the first issue I read, a Wizard World edition, was exactly that; cool. Forget about the cover, which contains five scantily dressed girls surrounding Alec. A very smart decision to lure people with beauty and hook them with an excellent story. Everyone knows it's the inside that matters most and Black Bull delivers with an entertaining and well-written story containing some killer art and reasons to keep buying.
In this issue, Alec must deal with the fact that he is going nowhere with school and the babes when every second another assignment comes up that demands his attention. A trap is set and four members of the Split-Second Squad are sucked into a gate where nasty worm-like creatures attack. In the end, Alec must save the entire group from harm-let's just say that the story leaves plenty of fodder for concern, heartbreak, in-fighting and future stories to follow. The ending just screamed out, "What is going to happen next?!" I guess I will have to buy the second issue to find out.
Gatecrasher is an excellent read. Alec reminds me of Peter Parker, only slightly cooler. He was already mixed up and in trouble, but life may have been easier had the contents of the supercomputer not splashed him, somewhat like a certain radioactive spider that gave Parker a gift he didn't want, but had to use. The theme of great responsibility coming with great power also resides within these pages and Alec must go to work even though he has a date in two hours. He complains about it, but he knows it must be done. Of course, Alec is part of a team where Parker was not, so we get a different look at things here. Let's just hope this comic doesn't lose my interest like Spider-Man has done since they created the Spider Clone.
Like a Black Bull crashing through the gates, Gatecrasher comes bursting out at you with energy and excitement. Don't get in its way. Jump on the juggernaut and enjoy the ride.
Send your comments and or questions about this article to JMinners@ybfree.com.