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Rogues Gallery #1
- Writer:
- Hannah Rose May
- Artist:
- Justin Mason
- Letterer:
- Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
- Cover Artist:
- Declan Shalvey
- Publisher:
- Image Comics
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-07-20
- Colorist:
- Triona Farrell
Fans are an integral part of any art form, and, in the age of social media, the relationship between artists and their audience is closer than ever. But like anything else, fandom has its dark side. Author and actor Hannah Rose May, artist Justin Mason(the artist behind Marvel's Spider-Punk), colorist Triona Farrell, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou are teaming up with Image Comics to explore that dark side in their new series Rogues' Gallery, which is due out on July 20. The first issue tells a fun, insightful story that will leave the audience anxious for more.
Rogues' Gallery #1 follows a young comic book fan named Kyle and his friends as they become increasingly frustrated with the TV adaptation of their favorite comic book, "The Red Rogue." Masie Wade, the actor who plays the titular hero, quickly becomes the focal point of their anger. When Kyle's friends first suggest they break into Wade's home to steal a valuable comic book, he is initially skeptical. But, as his home life deteriorates, he decides to help plan a heist that feels straight out of the comic books.
May does a great job using Rogues' Gallery #1 to examine the potentially toxic nature of fandom and the ways in which people can pressure each other into making dangerous choices. By centering this first issue around Kyle, May gives the audience a critical but empathetic look at how the would-be thieves' anger escalates so quickly. As the most reluctant member of the group, Kyle represents the average fan, who falls down a rabbit hole of resentment.
May does an excellent job of building tension and suspense in this debut issue. Just when the audience thinks they know what kind of a story she's telling, she reveals a new surprise. Masie, who seems to be the protagonist of the series, doesn't appear until the last page of Rogues' Gallery #1. But even though she is absent, her reputation is at the heart of this issue. After listening to Kyle and his friends' vitriolic rants, it would be easy for the reader to make numerous assumptions about Masie, but her surprise appearance at the end of the issue subverts expectations and gives the starlet an opportunity to speak for herself.
Rogues' Gallery #1 highlights Mason's incredible range. He draws some absolutely thrilling superhero action to depict a scene from the Red Rogue show before bringing a more subtle energy to Kyle's mundane everyday life. His impressive attention to detail helps him create settings that feel lived-in and that characterize Kyle and his friends. The contrast between the cozy comic shop they hang out in and the dreary home he shares with his father helps to underscore his feelings of desperation. Farrell's colors complement his work and add a bright sense of excitement to each page.
Rogues' Gallery #1 is an exciting first issue that's sure to keep readers on their toes. May has crafted an unflinching critique of venomous fans while telling a surprising and fun story with a tremendous amount of potential. The last page seems to suggest that things are about to get out of hand. Between the promise of thrilling action and the thoughtful commentary on comics culture, this first issue is sure to appeal to all manner of comic fans.