Review: Wasteland #1

Wasteland #1
Written by Antony Johnston
Art by Christopher Mitten
Published by Oni Press. $2.99 USD

Being English, there's no doubt Johnston has had plenty of exposure to 2000 A.D., so it's really no surprise he would eventually try his hand at a dystopian sci-fi saga with a tough loner wandering the wastes, getting pulled in against his better judgment to do the right thing and help the helpless against some savage mutants. As one might expect, there is also a tough-but-tender female love interest who appeals to his better nature and can handle herself in a fight, and there's a wise old man who knows more than he tells. Future issues will probably bring us a young boy who represents hope and redemption for our hero, or maybe the child he lost in The Great Cataclysm or whatever.

If I sound cynical, I'm not, really. It's just a well-worn subgenre, and I'm sure if it was up to me I would make many of the same creative choices as Johnston. What it lacks in originality is made up in pretty solid craftsmanship, however. This issue is 48 pages to get new readers hooked, and while that leads to maybe a little too much lingering over the landscape, or a little too long in the fight scenes, it's still a good first issue that gives you enough to be interested and entertained. Mitten's work looks good, somewhat reminiscent of Matt Wagner in the simplicity and character designs, though his line weight is considerably thinner. The clues and flash-forward lingo were sprinkled in very effectively--I particularly like how the Sun has replaced God, as in "that sun-damned son of a bitch!" It's not a book that will blow you away, but it's a good start and there is some promise that it will find its legs and become something unique.