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Creative Team
Script: Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, & Tim Seeley; Art: Christopher Mitten; Colors: Ian Herring; Art & Colors: Tess Fowler; Letters: Nate Piekos of Blamnot; Cover A & C Artists: Scott Hepburn with Ian Herring Cover B Artist: Leonardo Romero; Revenge of Exclusive Variant Cover by: Scott Hepburn with Ian Herring
Minor Threats created by Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, & Scott Hepburn
Check out the Reviews for Issue 1 and Issue 2.
The Alternates, from Dark Horse Comics
The comic, The Alternates, is a spinoff of Minor Threats. While you don’t need to read one to enjoy the other, it definitely deepens the story in a way you’ll want to experience once you get a taste for this world.
Our group of unique, hilarious, and tragic superheroes is on a mission to stop a drug called the Prestige. This drug allows people to get a taste for The Ledge. The Ledge is a place our Alternates went to but never truly left.
The Story for The Alternates Issue #3
In the first two issues we got to know two members of The Alternates: Mary Marie Munoz AKA The Multi Monster, and a giant crustacean man named Crab Louie. The Alternates aren’t just a B class superhero team, they’re also a support group.
In this third issue, we learn a bit more about the support group leader, Tripper. A name befitting of a hippie with powers to show you the way. Tripper does not take his job lightly, as a support group leader, or as a leader of superheroes.
While Tripper attempts to emotionally and physically guide his team, he also has to endure constant bickering. The bickering is absolutely unique and hilarious, unless of course, you’re the one in charge of the group. An actual line from this issue is, “You remind me of a Victorian surgeon who had a taste for hooker blood.”
Shortly after this line Crab Louis is distracted by the mating call of some nearby crabs. Meanwhile, we finally learn why this group was sent into The Ledge in the first place. This issue then ends with another mystery being unraveled, however, said mystery has spawned an even deeper one.
The Art
I definitely judged this book by the cover, and I’m glad I did. The cover was beautiful and it showed that we were about to learn a bit more about Tripper. This comic continues to use different artists, and art for memories compared to the current story.
This helps the story flow, keeps the reader informed as to where the story is, and it’s beautiful. The memories in this issue all seem very warm and calm, much live the vibe I get from Tripper.
The Alternate Issue 3 Rating: 9.5/10
I giggled, I gasped, and I “oohed” at the art. This story continues to make me laugh aloud while enjoying and appreciating the actual intense storyline.
We get mystery, humanizing of superheroes (good and bad), and laugh aloud comedy. It’s everything you could want in a comic book.
My only concern is that it will be wrapping up next month. However, the fact this is a spinoff of Minor Threats, gives me hope that this universe is not over, as I definitely need more.
Lauren is half of Hops GEEK News: a weekly podcast that discusses all things geek pop culture, while enjoying a craft beer of the week. They also interview many different people from the comic book world and beyond.
