SUPER ADVANCED REVIEW: THE F1RST HERO # 1

THE F1RST HERO # 1
Written by Anthony Ruttgaizer
Art by Phillip Sevy & Fred C Stresing
Action Lab Entertainment

This will be a spoiler free review.

                In a world where having super powers is so taboo, that it automatically is met with force, Jake Roth narrates his story for us. Join Jake as we see his world and how his powers emerged. 

ART:

                Sevy and Stresing bring us Jake Roth’s story. The art does a good job of telling a story, with a style that isn’t overly detailed unless it needs to be. The panel work gives enough detail to immerse readers into. The lines are  a little thicker than normal but works for the story and the setting. I am impressed with how well Sevy gets Regan’s face looks in this. The action is good and Sevy does a good job, giving some good perspectives here and there. The backgrounds are ok with some good detail. I did especially enjoy Sevy and Stresing use of shadows when Jake is tied up. A pretty good opening shot form the art team.

WRITING:

                Ruttgaizer has some great narrative here. Jake Roth comes across very believable, likable and vulnerable in this one issue. Ruttgaizer’s choice to have Roth tell the readers the story through his own narrative alongside regular dialogue really helps build on the character and the world. Ruttgaizer moves the issue well, with a perfect pace that both explains the world of The First Hero and Roth well. Roth gets some great character development as we learn of his fears as well as his sense of duty. Roth already starts as a complex character and Ruttgaizer builds upon that, using both the world around him and Roth’s personality to make the story personal, compelling and different from most other super powered hero comics.  The dialogue was very authentic for the characters which only added to how well the book is written. While we didn’t see a supporting cast yet, the fact that Ruttgaizer uses Roth as the main narrator makes it okay.  An extremely well- written and well constructed first issue.

FINAL VERDICT:

                The writing is top notch with some good art by Sevy and Stresing. The book has just begun but we have a great, complex main character that I look forward to seeing in this world where just having super powers is a death sentence. The great narrative and the easy style make this a great first issue.

                I give The First Hero # 1 a 4 out of 5. Great job. Order this book today.

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.

Action Lab Entertainment September 2014 Solicitations

 SOLICITATIONS: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 2014 
The following titles will be available for purchase in comic shops everywhere! 



 

CRIMSON SOCIETY#1
Writer(s): Mike Hunau
Artist Name(s): Carlos Trigo
Cover Artist(s): Carlos Trigo (r), Daniel Logan (v)
 
 In the very near future, supernatural beings live among humans in peace, yet Jack Crimson finds his life as a werewolf frustrating, and wants nothing more than a cure. Desperate to free himself from this curse, he makes a series of decisions leading him down an unexpected path. Join Jack as he makes his way through this dark new world. Features a variant cover by Daniel Logan (Ghost Town), limited to 1,500 copies!

32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant
 


DRYSPELL # 3 (Bi-Monthly)

Writer(s): Ken Krekeler
Artist Name(s): Ken Krekeler
Cover Artist(s): Ken Krekeler
 
 The stage is set. Tom Ferris, once little more than an office drone, is about to return to the man he once was. Side-by-side with masks and costumes, he has calculated a grand return to the limelight of his yesteryear. His entourage assembled, his target marked, his city is calling to him. It watches and waits for the black.
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                                          $3.99
 
 
 
  
EHHM THEORY: EVERYTHING AND SMALL DOSES #1
 
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford (reg), Jerry Gaylord (var)
 
 Action Lab's underground hit series returns! Time-jumping assassin monkeys, an evil military super-force, and paranormal ex-lovers plague Gabriel Ehmm and his blood-bound talking feline Mr. Whispers in this eye-smashing, brain-messer of a sequel entitled; Everything and Small Doses. Features a variant cover by Jerry Gaylord, limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant


 
THE F1RST HERO # 2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Anthony Ruttgaizer
Artist Name(s): Phillip Sevy (art), Fred C Stresing (letters/colors)
Cover Artist(s): Lee Moder (standard cover), Ray-Anthony Height (variant)
 
 Back on American soil, Jake settles into his normal life. But when the police attempt a violent takedown on a teen extrahuman, will Jake endanger that normal life and use his own powers to save the boy? Or will he keep quiet and abandon the youth to his grisly fate? Variant cover by Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger and Marvel’s: Fear Itself, Spider-Girl) limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 

JACK HAMMER :USURPER #1 (OF 2) (Bi-Monthly)
Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic
Just as things are starting to get back to normal for Jack McGriskin and friends, a new shadow falls across their path... and lands squarely on Ramona! A mystery man stalks her through the streets of Boston, but is she his target or only a means to an end?
 32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $3.99

 
 

MIDNIGHT TIGER #3 (Now a monthly series)
 
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra, Ray-Anthony Height
Artist Name(s): Ray-Anthony Height
Cover Artist(s): Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel: Fear Itself, Spider-girl, Image: Noble Causes)
 
 Gavin has to shake down an old friend for some intel, but may end up going too far. Unfortunately for Gavin, Powerstone and the Apollo Bay Police Department are on the hunt…and it’s MidnightTiger season!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                   $3.99
 


 
MISHKA AND THE SEA DEVIL HC
Writer(s): Xenia Pamfil
Artist Name(s): Xenia Pamfil
Cover Artist(s): Xenia Pamfil
 
 Eleven days trapped on a mysterious island. Eleven chapters drawn in eleven different styles. One incredible artist. After a chance encounter at sea, fisherman Mishka washes ashore on an uncharted island. Surrounded by monsters and worse, can Mishka survive long enough to solve the mystery of the Sea Devil and return home? Join her, Captain Furball and Admiral Ghost on the adventure of their lives!
100 pgs./Teen/ FC                        $24.99


 
 
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #2 (OF 6)
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils, Inks, Colors) Marvin Chevealier (color assists)
Cover Artist: Tressina Bowling
 
 After successfully completing her first mission, Shianndrea is allowed to accompany Kim on reconnaissance to New Tokyo in order to spy on the Azumi Ninja Clan. Things can't be better! However, just when things are getting cozy between the two ninja, Ai joins the mission, making these three ninja a crowd.
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99




SKYWARD VOL.4: SINS OF THE FATHER
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
 
 Jeremy Dale and Action Lab proudly present the fourth volume of the smash-hit, SKYWARD! In the wake of the Battle at Three Rivers, it's certain that new alliances must be formed to withstand the armies of the Brother Kings. Enter: The Berserkers! Continuing the fantastic action-fantasy epic from CGS 2013 Breakthrough Creator and Harvey Award nominee Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), following the thrilling tale of Quinn and his dog, Jack-- as we travel ever further into the strangeness of the unknown! Collects Skyward #10-12!
96 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $9.99  

 
SOUTHERN DOG#2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Jeremy Holt
Artist Name(s): Alex Diotto
Cover Artist(s): Riley Rossmo
 
 After revealing his involvement with the KKK, Jasper’s farther forces him to confront a bully from school through violent tactics. Refusing to participate, Jasper fleas the scene only to succumb to another "episode" as the beast inside of him resurfaces. Unable to fight it, Jasper suddenly finds himself in the middle of his town's racial war. Featuring series covers by red-hot artist Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar)!
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99

 
  
ZOMBIE TRAMP #3
 
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu
 
 Zombie Tramp has fallen in with the wrong crowd in her adventure to Las Vegas… specifically, the undead clutches of the king of Sin City’s sex trade. Now she’s being forced to wed the jump-suited monster of a man in a private ceremony at the Grand Canyon! But in this unholy wedding, “Til death” is just the start. Features a “risqué” variant cover limited to 2,000 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.
 
ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT Solicitations for August 2014

Solicitations: Action Lab Entertainment for August 2014
The following titles will be available for purchase in comic shops everywhere! 



BO, PLUSHY GANSTA: KINGDOM OF BO TPB.
 
Writer(s): Pavel Balabanov 
Artist Name(s): Pavel Balabanov 
Cover Artist(s): Pavel Balabanov 

 Are the legends of Bo, the “teddy bear” gangsta, true? And, did we just say teddy bear gangsta?! You’re about to find out-- when the soul of Gardia City’s toughest gangsta gets imbued in a plushy bear by a voodoo priestess. It’s Scarface meets Ted in this over-the-top video game style urban epic. Collects Bo Plushy Gangsta # 1-4.
128 Pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                                  $14.99

 
THE F1RST HERO#1 (of 4)
Writer(s): Anthony Ruttgaizer 
Artist Name(s): Phillip Sevy (art), Fred C Stresing (letters/colors) 
Cover Artist(s): Lee Moder (reg),  Jamal Igle (var) 
 
 The entire world knows the stark reality: everyone who manifests superpowers goes insane and becomes a threat to society. So, when Jake Roth develops superpowers but somehow keeps his sanity, he must decide whether to put himself at risk by using his powers to help people or do nothing and save himself while innocent people around him get hurt. Cover by Lee Moder, with a variant by Jamal Igle (Supergirl, Molly Danger) limited to 1500 copies!

32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                         $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
 
   
HERO CATS OF STELLAR CITY
Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer
Artist Name(s): Marcus Williams 
Cover Artist(s): Marcus Williams (reg and var)
 
 Avengers and Justice League move over! The cutest heroes on the planet have arrived! Meet the Hero Cats of Stellar City in this spectacular first issue. Not your ordinary house cats, they're a tactical action-packed covert team dealing with extraordinary threats to humanity in ways that will amaze. Variant fold-out cover limited to 2,000 copies!
32 pgs./ Kids, All Ages/ FC                                  $3.99/ $4.99 Variant

  
ITTY BITTY BUNNIES IN RAINBOW PIXIE CANDYLAND: SAVE X-MAS #1
Writer(s): Dean Rankine 
Artist Name(s): Dean Rankine 
Cover Artist(s): Dean Rankine (reg and var)
 
 Itty Bitty Bunnies creator and cartoonist extraordinaire Dean Rankine lives down under, where Christmas is celebrated in the summer, so it makes perfect sense for his depraved creations to go on a holiday adventure now stateside. It also makes sense to the Bunnies to cook up a big batch of meth to help fund their Yuletide activities! Also available in a “Tickle Me Tyrone gift” variant cover, limited to 1500 copies!
32 pgs./ Mature Readers / FC                                    $3.99/ $4.99 Variant

 

MIDNIGHT TIGER #2(of 4)
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra, Ray-Anthony Height 
Artist Name(s): Ray-Anthony Height 
Cover Artist(s): Ray-Anthony Height 
 
Gavin learns the hard way to be careful what you wish for when he finally comes face to face with P. Stone! Fortunately, he’ll have some unexpected help from the folks who’ve been keeping an eye on him since the beginning of what could be the shortest crime-fighting career Apollo Bay history.
32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $3.99
 
 
SHINOBI:NINJA PRINCESS
Writer(s): Martheus Wade 
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils and Inks) Marvin Cheveallier (Color assists) Janet Wade 
(Ink assists) Kevin Williams (Copy Edit) 
Cover Artist(s): Martheus Wade (reg) Tressa Bowling (var) Limited to 1500 copies 
 
Jishin 自信 (Confidence): 14 year-old ninja princess Shianndrea Toshigawa and her strike team have a new mission: spy on their rivals, the Azumi Ninja Clan, and discover what secret dealings they have with the evil Emperor of Japan. But when the plan goes awry and fellow ninja Hamasuke is captured, can Shianndrea overcome her lack of confidence and save him before it’s too late? Variant cover limited to 1,500 copies!


32 pgs./ Children and Teens/ FC                        $3.99/ $4.99 Variant

 
 
SCUM OF THE EARTH #2 (Bimonthly)

Writer(s): Mark Bertolini 
Artist Name(s): Rob Croonenborghs 
Cover Artist(s): Rob Croonenborghs 
 
Now that True has been outed as more than a bourbon-fueled psycho killer, can he and his partner in crime Laura fend off an intergalactic bounty hunter? And just who is this alien hunter, and what’s his connection to True? Mind blowing cosmic revelations, guns, blood, and twists ahead!

32pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                      $3.99

  
SKYWARD#12
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale 
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale 
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale (reg), Darwyn Cooke (var) Limited to 1500 copies 
 
 Celebrating its first full year, SKYWARD is thrust into new lands with new peoples, creatures...and distractions? In the midst of a changing land, our heroes find that the Battle of Three Rivers was only the beginning of a brand new conflict! This issue also features a LIMITED Edition variant
cover (1500 copies) by DARWYN COOKE (Parker, DC’s New Frontier)!
 
32 pgs./ Children and Teens/ FC                        $3.99/ $4.99 Variant

 

SOUTHERN DOG#1
Writer(s): Jeremy Holt 
Artist Name(s): Alex Diotto 
Cover Artist(s): Riley Rossmo (reg), Mehdi Cheggour (var)
 
 
 
When awkward high school teen Jasper Dixon conceals an injury sustained during a hunting excursion with his family, his infected wolf bite combined with the hormonal changes of puberty triggers a disturbing physical transformation. Now he’s forced to confront his Deep South upbringing and monsters far worse than what he’s become! Featuring a regular cover by Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar), and a Limited Edition (1500 copies) werewolf variant by Mehdi Cheggour (Enormous)!

32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                         $3.99/$4.99 Variant
 
  
ZOMBIE TRAMP Vol.3 #2 
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin 
Artist Name(s): TMChu 
Cover Artist(s): TMChu (reg and var)
As Zombie Tramp stirs up trouble in Sin City she catches the attention of its most legendary resident, The King! The problem is he “left the building” three decades ago--so what kind of undead monster sits on the throne now? It’s a buffet of all out high-stakes reanimated action! Also available in an alternate ‘risque’ cover limited to 2000 copies.
32pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                      $3.99/ $4.99 Variant