Alphacore #1 Review
Being part of a bad book is not what they do!
The Rippaverse experienced a meteoric rise with the initial two issues of Isom, bringing in multimillion dollars in revenue and laying the foundation for a captivating superhero comic book universe. This momentum was leveraged to launch Alphacore, accompanied by an animated trailer and industry heavyweights contributing to the writing and artwork. The excitement generated culminated in a million-dollar campaign, placing considerable expectations on Alphacore as the inaugural expansion of this universe and a genuine introduction to the long-term storytelling within the Rippaverse.
Alphacore #1 successfully lives up to the ambitious goals it set, offering insight into how Excerpts function in the Rippaverse through an enthralling super-powered police procedural storyline.
Chuck Dixon adeptly crafts a briskly paced comic that delves into the intricacies of Alphacore as a newly established branch of law enforcement. The plot commences with a bang and seamlessly progresses to even more high-octane moments, with transitions that align seamlessly with Dixon's intended tone for the story. The book effectively characterizes the three main protagonists and the world they inhabit. While some dialogue could have flowed more smoothly, it does not detract significantly from the overall experience and, in most instances, enhances the narrative.
Joe Bennet's penciling contributes to an authentic comic book feel, with four inkers and two colorists completing the immersive reading experience beautifully. The collaborative effort results in artwork that draws readers in, complemented by expertly precise lettering from Eric Weathers. Although Michael Copper and Lillian Ronashi could have been portrayed more closely to their envisioned appearances, their depictions remain accurate without significant deviation. The two-page and full-page spreads effectively fulfill their role, intensifying climactic scenes and enhancing the impact of their resolutions.
In my assessment, Alphacore proves to be a fantastic addition to the Rippaverse. The book not only delivers a compelling standalone story but also establishes a cohesive team that must collaborate not only to maintain peace but also to achieve self-actualization. Building on my enthusiasm expressed in my Isom reviews regarding the long-term storytelling potential of the Rippaverse, Alphacore represents the execution of that potential to near perfection. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who have enjoyed the released issues of Isom, whether one or both, as well as newcomers to the Rippaverse.