Review: Dark Matter #2

This is definitely one of the best Sci-fi comic books I’veread in a long while. It’s an under-appreciated genre in the world of comics which usually onlygets any notice when it’s adapted from a TV show or movie. That’s why when original IP’slike this come along I jump on them. What’s even better is that this book isworthy of praise and not based off of some misplaced love for the franchise.

Our crew of memory lapsed space travelers find themselvesin a sticky position. They’re being fired upon by a random ship and they needthe android that almost killed them, to now save them. The android which has beencalmed down by having its program wiped, manages to save the ship and actuallyput them on their original course. This takes them to a planet in what’sconsidered the boonies. They land on the surface and are greeted by the lessthan friendly inhabitants.

The independent miners inhabiting the planet explain to our crew that theirexpecting trouble since a rare mineral was found on a nearby asteroid belt. Nowthe larger mining corporations want to inhabit the planet and will basically destroythe surface and kick them out. It’s the classic little guy versus the big guy scenario. Theminers also explain that their waiting for a shipment of guns to have afighting chance against whomever the corporations would send after them. Thecrew heads back up to their ship and discuss the fact that they have a hugesupply of guns and wonder if they’re meant to give them to the miners.

I love the story for this series and it’s a shame if you’renot reading it too. The characters are all very well rounded and fleshed out.They’re not just stereotypes, but actual characters with dialog and mannerismsthat are unique to themselves. That’s what makes them so great to read. They’reenjoyable and mostly funny. In fact this book is very funny at times. I knowthat most of it is unintentional, but there are some very good lines of dialog in thisbook.

In my review of the first book I went into the story and theart a lot, but I’m not going to here. It’s the same product only the story hasprogressed even more. It’s a great book and I can’t wait to see how the nextissue will unfold. The first issue came off with a touch of Alien and Supernova, while this issue is more like Serenity. Regardless of its influences, this is a good book. If youlike Sci-Fi, you’ll like Dark Matter.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie

Artist: Garry Brown

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 2/1/2012