Review: BRAIN BOY #0

Script by:  Fred Van Lente
Art by:  Freddie Williams II
Colors by:  Ego
Letters by:  Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover by:  Ariel Olivetti
Published by: Dark Horse Comics

“Just don’t call him ‘Brain Boy’.  He hates that.”  Welcome to this review of Brain Boy #0!  A look back at one of Matt Price’s first missions.  Price works for Albright Industries and is loaned out to the US Secret Service.  As with most first missions, things do not go as planned.

What I Liked

I am a fan of shared universes.  The fact that Captain Midnight, Brain Boy and soon-to-be-launched Skyman are all tied together by Albright Industries is a plus.  Then there’s the fact that Brain Boy is a fun, lighthearted, GOOC comic.  Writer Fred Van Lente is a master at this genre of comic.

This is a perfect jumping-on point for anyone who hasn’t been reading the series.  The intro page fills you in on the main points of the book.  Van Lente takes you inside the “brain” of Brain Boy to allow you to understand the character.  What he finds funny, what frustrates him, how he goes about problem-solving.

Joining the creative team is the talented Freddie Williams II.  As much of a fan I am of regular artist RB Silva, Williams II is a fine replacement.  What helps the consistency between artists is that Ego provides the color work.

What I Didn’t Like

If I have to find something to pick on, I will say the story in issue zero plays out almost exactly like the first three-issue arc.  Brain Boy is tasked with mentally sweeping an area for threats, he thinks he has done a fine job, only to have everything go south for him.  Hopefully once the regular story starts back it won’t continue that thread.

Summary

If you are a fan of comics that mix action with humor with superpowers mixed in, then Brain Boy is for you.  Issue zero is a great starting point, plus there is still time to catch up on the previous three books.

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

Timdogg

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