Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Shane Davis
Artists: Shane Davis, Michelle Delecki
Colourist: Morry Hollowell
Editor: Michelle Delecki
Release date: OUT NOW!
Price: $3.50

Axcend #1 wants to be Tron meets Catcher in the Rye, but seems unsure get these two themes to dovetail without seeing the join.

In Axcend #1 It’s been one year since Eric Morn (mourn, get it?) lost his twin brother and best friend Erin, and well-intentioned adults don’t have a clue how to help him rise above his angst. The only thing Eric Morn shows any interest in are video games. However, after Eric Morn is physically sucked into the game Axcend, he doesn’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse.

In Axcend #1 two other players, Rayne and Ruin, immediately use Morn as a plaything. After being killed for the first time in the game, Eric Morn thinks, “All I can do is make a funny face and think about chickens ‘cause my body is still trying to shake his hand.” And when Eric says, “When can I win?” he speaking about both the game and his real life.

As an artist, Shane Davis is a well-developed talent, a true illustrator. His faces and figures are elegant and attractive, his story-telling technique unimpeachable. The inks and colouring do him justice.

But overall Axcend #1 is a bit bumpy. The writing hints at depth but generally remains basic and utilitarian and trundles along. Still, there is a certain promise here. Axcend #1 has enough going for it to warrant looking at future issues, so fingers crossed.

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker