SUBCULTURE #1 ADVANCE REVIEW

[Blake Petit]

Review by: Blake M. Petit Blake@comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Very Good

How does a geek handle it when the cute girl... wants him?

Writer: Kevin Freeman
Art: Stan Yan
Cover Art: Jim Mahfood
Publisher: APE Entertainment

Geek comics are nothing new. Comics like Dork Tower, Knights of the Dinner Table and 3 Geeks have been showcasing different aspects of the Geek existence for some time, so for APE Entertainment’s Subculture to really be a satisfying read, it has to have something to make it unique. Fortunately, it absolutely does. Unlike those other titles, Subculture is a Geek comic with an edge.

Jason is your standard geek – he works in a video game store, he hangs out in a comic shop, his roommate runs the local roleplaying circle, and his life is going nowhere. Then, one day, the new girl in town waltzes into the comic shop. While his friends are busy drooling over her, Jason strikes up an actual conversation and – miracle of miracles – she seems to be the one who starts pursuing him. Jason, of course, doesn’t quite know how to handle this attention, but how can he possibly let this opportunity pass him by?

Subculture seems to be a complete, immersive Geek experience, rolling together the stereotypes of comic book readers, video gamers and roleplayers all into one book. While most of the characters typify those clichés, our hero Jason seems to defy them, having a modicum of social grace despite his unapologetic geek nature. Noel similarly is a rather unique character – she seems on the surface to be your standard dream geek grrl – cute, into comics and satisfyingly aggressive. There’s something about her, though – the way she talks, the things she says – that makes her seem like there’s something considerably deeper to her than simply being an object of desire.

Stan Yan’s artwork is a wonderful match for the story – his style has a nice blend of realism and caricature that helps draw the contrast between the developed characters (Jason and Noel) and those who so far are placeholders (just about everyone else).

It’s great to see a publisher that can put together such a unique, diverse line. APE Entertainment already has several really good books in the superhero, science fiction, comedy and adventure areas. This little slice-of-life comedy is a wonderful addition to a fine lineup. Subculture #1 is a really strong launch issue, and I can’t wait to see what Freeman and Yan come up with next.

Rating:


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