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Minor Threats #1
- Writer:
- Jordan Blum, Patton Oswalt
- Artist:
- Scott Hepburn
- Letterer:
- Nate Piekos
- Cover Artist:
- Scott Hepburn, Ian Herring
- Publisher:
- Dark Horse Comics
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-08-24
- Colorist:
- Ian Herring
The best thing about Minor Threats #1 is that it's easy to see how much fun the entire creative team had making the comic. And it's obvious that there's a real appreciation and passion for the industry's long history of superhero stories. Releasing on August 24th, the debut issue of Dark Horse Comics' Minor Threats is co-written by Jordan Blum and Patton Oswalt, drawn by Scott Hepburn, colored by Ian Herring, and lettered by Nate Piekos. Minor Threats #1 should be a no-brainer addition to your pull list, so make sure to call your local comic shop after reading this review.
The story follows Frankie Follis, a former villain named Playtime who has the ability to turn any raw material into complex machines. Despite her criminal past and incredible ability, Frankie's making an honest effort to live a normal life -- something she was denied by her supervillain mother. When a villain crosses the line and causes a hero to go down a dark path, the heroes of the Continuum -- a parody of the Justice League -- begin a brutal and relentless crackdown on villains, including Frankie, in an effort to protect their own sterling reputation. Now, the minor threats of this universe need to save themselves from the heroes.
Minor Threats pulls fans into a superhero world inspired by the silver and bronze age of comics. There's a focus on the classic black and white rules that often applied to heroes and villains -- the heroes don't kill, and the criminals will escape jail just to have their big plans foiled by heroes and wind up back in jail all over again. But there's also a modern commentary on the complex issues that heroes can't simply solve with their clenched fists. And what happens when that unwritten rule between the good guys and bad guys gets thrown out the window?
After reading an early digital copy of this comic, there's so much excitement and curiosity about getting a physical copy to see how the art and lettering look in print. Scott, Ian, and Nate's work is such a love letter to the superhero genre and everything that the magic of the comics medium can offer. From the very first page, it's crystal clear this work is done by people who admire comics. From the fun character designs, vivid coloring, occasionally playful panel layouts, and evocative easy-to-follow lettering, Minor Threats #1 is a terrific looking comic that's overflowing with appreciation for the medium.
In just one issue, the creative team totally immerses the reader into the world of Minor Threats. Whether it's the dive bar for D-listers, Toy Queen's home, or a district that had to adapt after a massive kaiju was killed and left to rot by the heroes, a stunning amount of world-building is packed into this first issue. Hepburn and Herring breathe so much life into these settings. You can really feel the history of this universe in every panel.
A lot happens in the first issue, yet it never feels like it drags. Blum and Oswalt do an excellent job balancing all of the introductory exposition with clever commentary and amusing interactions while moving the overall storyline forward. When all is said and done, there's a really strong hook that left me wanting to read the next issue right away. This review has remained as spoiler-free as possible, and if you want the same experience you should avoid the solicitation text for the issue, just to be safe.
Minor Threats is clearly made by people who love superhero comics and want to explore the world that exists between the panels of bigger superhero stories. The artwork is creative and compelling while the tone strikes a great balance -- it's silly and fun but also heartfelt and tragic. Minor Threats #1 is a must-read comic for fans of the superhero genre, especially if they've enjoyed stories like Superior Foes of Spider-Man. Put this one on your radar, people.