Alpha Gods Emergence
Markosia
W: Ian Sharman
A: Ezequiel Pineda
C: Mauro Barbosa
Synopsis…The Alpha Gods’ first mission sees them taking on an ancient evil, Malak. He is a Nephilim, an ancient race that was spawned when fallen angels mated with human women. He’s seeking a way to bring his “fathers” through to our world, and only the Alpha Gods stand in his way.
Thoughts…This is the first volume of the ongoing Alpha Gods series. This is where it all started, we are introduced to the team and the setting of the world in which the Alpha Gods operate. We are also introduced in part to the baddy in the series and the reasoning behind their evil goals.
I liked the way this first volume sets the scene and gives us a look at the beginnings of a team being formed and gives an introduction to each member and an insight into their state of mind going into their first mission together. It's easy to get caught up in comparisons with the amount of superhero comics there are out there but this gives us a fresh start and a fresh universe to play in. I also liked that this is not only superheroes but also brings in a religious and supernatural side to things as well, I am not sure if it is set up to be a science vs religion sort of metaphor as of yet but it does seem that each side could represent each of the viewpoints although I think there could be something sinister brewing within the side of the Alphas but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet. There are some interesting characters on the team with Paladin and Impact seemingly being the main focus while the newer members start to find their feet. Paladin is a cyborg while Impact has a force field ability and advanced combat knowledge. There is a 3rd member of the existing team Revenant, who can pass through walls but also has another ability he keeps to himself. Joining the team are Juice, a girl with the power to control electricity and Outrage, an angry young man that is also a werewolf. The first volume ends as they are preparing for their first mission but the scene is set for some real tensions between a few of the team members both new and existing that I am sure will boil over in the 2nd installment and onward.
I enjoyed this first volume of the series, it really does a great job of giving us all we need to understand what is going on and leaves us wanting more. It sort of reminded me of Battle Cats from Mad Cave when that was in its infancy. This is a good start to the series, it felt like a world that was being formed rather than a fully formed creation but that leaves plenty of room to grow and adapt as things happen. This volume first came out 2012 I believe and there are currently 4 volumes in the Alpha Gods line so expect more reviews in the coming weeks for this line. Also this first volume can be read for free on Global comics if you want to try it out for yourselves. I would give this first volume a 7 out of 10, great start and an interesting mix of science fiction and religious storytelling blended together.
