September
2 Bite-size Comics

A good preview issue #0 whets the appetite with just enough story to make you say "hmmmm" instead of "huh?" A great preview super-sizes the deal with pin-ups, sketches and creator interviews. Conventions typically provide an audience willing to taste-test a new series for a buck or two. Although these two comic books debuted at Comic-Con Intl., their respective first issues don't drop until October.

The Mercury Chronicles #0 (Comic-Con Edition)

Creators: Vito Delsante, writer; Mike Lilly and Shawn McGuan, artists

Speakeasy Comics, color, 16 pages

So? The Mercury Chronicles comes with ten pages of comic, five pages of sketches and one page with letters from creator Vito Delsante and Speakeasy president Adam Fortier. The set-up is simple enough. Jump back to the Golden Age of comics replete with dialogue and costumes from World War II. A newsreel introduces us to America's own Commander Champion and his compatriot Mr. Mercury who has gone missing. A spaceship crash lands on an Army base in New Mexico. Mr. Mercury steps out from its silvery depths. The mystery of his disappearance may be moot, but now more pressing questions come to mind. Like what language was he speaking instead of English? While the Allies may have won the war, Mike Lilly and Sean McGuan's sketches suggest the war is far from over with Nazi Frost Giants, the hulking Panzer Jaeger and aliens waiting in Issue #1. While Mr. Mercury may look like he borrowed his outfit from the Grifter and the Shadow, give Delsante the benefit of the doubt to establish a compelling character and solid action in issue #1. Grade: B

Exalted #0 (Comic-Con Edition)

Creators: Gally and Zub, writers; Noi Sackda, Greg Boychuck and Roberto Campus, artists

Udon Comics, color, 24 pages

So? Exalted also delivers 10 pages of comics but one ups The Mercury Chronicles with eight pages of interviews and art from the creators, artists and writers. Throw in a center spread pin-up and a behind-the-scenes on how a comic panel is created, and this becomes a top-notch preview package. Udon moves away from its bread-and-butter Capcom properties (Street Fighter, Darkstalkers) and takes on White Wolf's popular RPG. Exalted borrows from both Western and Eastern mythology to create a world on the brink of chaos. The dragon-blooded rule the land through fear while people await the return of the First Age where heroes fended off the "enemies of creation." Character artist Noi Sackda leans toward an anime style reminiscent of Pat Lee (Darkminds, Neon Cyber), but his personal flare for costuming breaks from stereotypes. Greg Boychuk teases us with highly detailed long shot backgrounds on the first page that promise bigger and better things to come. Grade: B+