THE KAIJU SCORE #1 (Aftershock Comics, November 25 release date. Final order cutoff for pre-orders is Monday, November 2) James Patrick, writer. Rem Broo, artist.
Now this is a genre mash-up that really appeals to me - - - a light-hearted crime caper with a monster twist!
Writer James Patrick says “The Kaiju Score is a Quentin Tarantino film taking place in some corner of a Godzilla movie.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter he cited some of his influences: old Japanese kaiju movies, Donald Westlake’s Parker series, the Oceans 11 films, Elmore Leonard’s story sense and characterization, and Quentin Tarantino’s dialogue.
If you enjoy a bit of humor with your crime and monster comics, then you’ll appreciate what THE KAIJU SCORE has to offer. I’m reminded of some popular books with a similar tone as well as the art style: CHEW, FARMLAND, OUTER DARK, LEVIATHAN. I’m name-dropping several John Layman-scripted books (and Rob Guillory) because Patrick’s work here reminds me of them, and that’s intended as a high compliment.
Those who characterize Aftershock titles as dark and often depressing really need to read this eye-opener to change their mind.
At the root of THE KAIJU SCORE is a gang-leader’s crazy idea to pull off a big heist under cover of a kaiju attack, which should command the full undivided attention of police forces.
Issue #1 serves as a set-up opening act, introducing us to the main characters and offering a sneak peek at the particular kaiju anticipated to come ashore and cause a big distraction: a “Mujara” who subsists mainly on a diet of mullet fish and is considered tamer when compared to other giants.
When we first meet master planner Marco, he’s hatching his plan while drinking in the bathtub. Unfortunately, he’s a master of none considering his track record of former flubbed robberies. He’s having a hard time recruiting the skilled caliber of criminals he’ll need to pull off a huge art heist (valued at 30-50 million) from the vaults of the local museum. He has to settle for some second-tier companions as well as turn to a notorious loanshark to bottom feeders for funding.
Gina’s a stylish femme fatale with safe-cracking skills, but in a plot twist Marco may not be getting assistance from the Gina he’s expecting
Palmiero’s an equipment guy with a long unlucky streak looking for a chance to reverse his fortunes.
Pierson is a tough guy with a man-bun who uses his misplaced swagger to hide his low self-esteem and low intelligence.
Can they pull it off? As loan shark Blackie Mendoza says: “So the question is . . . do you want to stick your balls in the mouth of this alligator and wave them around? . . . ‘Cause there ain’t no goin’ back after this.”
FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS OUT OF A POSSIBLE FIVE STARS.
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