Pre-Order Pick: Order NUCLEAR FAMILY #1 By Monday, February 01

NUCLEAR FAMILY #1 (Aftershock Comics, pre-order by Monday February 01, release date February 24, 2021)  Writer: Stephanie Phillips.  Artist: Tony Shasteen. 

 

Over the past several years, writer Stephanie Phillips has demonstrated her knack for scripting compelling, engaging historical fiction. This adaptation of a Phillip K. Dick science-fiction short story, Breakfast At Twilight, hits  the spot.  

Milwaukee, 1957. With the Soviet Union’s entry into the space race dominating the radio news, Korean war vet and family man Tim McClean works hard to keep bread on the table at his stressful job as a salesman at Bob’s Used Cars lot.  The car radio he was listening to broadcasts news of a new Soviet satellite emitting a strange signal. 

   His snarky co-worker Dan is not averse to telling some tall tales in order to sell a car. Bob prefers to be honest. He, and his loving wife Linda, work hard at raising their two children the right way. Young son Henry loves to play Army, running through the house in his helmet and brandishing a toy rifle. Teenage daughter Robin has been sneaking cigarettes and is developing a rebellious, testing attitude. 

    They are all going to be tested in the aftermath of an all-out atomic war between Russia and the United States. Tim herds his family into the basement, crowded with equipment for his ham radio hobby that may come in handy in the days to come.

RATING SYSTEM

 

 

STORY: A very good adaptation of Dick’s short story, which still seems timely in these crazy days.  2.5 POINTS.

ART:  Refreshingly simplistic and, dare I say it, wholesome in its’ appeal. Perfectly evocative of the 1950’s times and helps sells the setting. 2.5 POINTS.

COVER: Ominous and effective. 1 POINT.

READ AGAIN?  I already have. Just as entertaining and engaging the second time around. Worth multiple readings. 1 POINT.

RECOMMEND? For sure. I’m on the edge of my seat after that final panel, and a little bit worried for the McClean family.  1 POINT

TOTAL RATING: 8 OUT OF A POSSIBLE 10 POINTS. Exceeds expectations, well above  a crowded pack of new titles.