Review: Captain Ultimate #1

Story:  Benjamin Bailey & Joey Esposito
Pencils & Inks:  Boykoesh
Colors:  Ed Ryzowski
Letters & Production:  Adam O. Pruett
Published By:  Monkeybrain Comics

I’ve been listening to the IGN Assemble podcast for almost a year.  Joey Esposito and Benjamin Bailey entertain while recapping each week’s comic book releases and latest news.  The two recently collaborated on their own all-readers friendly comic book called Captain Ultimate being published through Monkeybrain Comics.

Here’s the synopsis of the series:

A long time ago, the world’s most renowned superhero disappeared and justice was handed over to the grim-n-gritty vigilantes that blurred the line between the righteous and the wicked. Everyone forgot what it truly meant to be a hero… until the day the Giant Robot Octopus Alien Monster attacked!
When one little boy finds the courage to stand up to this alien invader, it just might be enough to inspire the return of the world’s greatest superhero… CAPTAIN ULTIMATE!
What I Liked

This is my first foray into the world of Monkeybrain Comics, and I’m glad I was introduced to it through Captain Ultimate.  After reading so many stories involving crossovers and years of continuity, it felt nice to pick up a comic that harkens back to a simpler time.

Captain Ultimate is a hero that everyone can be proud of.  He saves the day while not endangering civilian life.  Then, one day, he disappeared.  No one knows what happened to Captain Ultimate, but we find some theories through word-of-mouth.  Our hero makes a triumphant return to save the day, but I wonder if we’ll find out what prompted his disappearance.

Benjamin Bailey & Joey Esposito share the writing duties.  The same wit that is showcased on the IGN Assemble podcast is on display here.  They even introduce a lovable POV character named Milo.  His trust and confidence in Captain Ultimate is refreshing.  Plus we even have a superhero team in this universe!

What I Didn’t Like

I enjoyed the art from Boykoesh but a few panels with Captain Ultimate were confusing.  I couldn’t tell if Captain Ultimate was the same size as everyone, or if he was larger than life.  He seemed disproportioned from other characters.

Summary

If you are looking for a comic book that the entire family can enjoy, then Captain Ultimate is the book for you.  Supporting characters are introduced, the final page makes reference to Milo being Captain Ultimate’s new sidekick, and apparently this will be an ongoing comic so there’s are more stories to be told.

There’s a new hero on the block, and he’s sporting a WWE-style heavyweight championship belt around his waist!  Who wouldn’t love that?

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE