No Gods No Masters #1

BOOM! Studios

Writer – Julio Anta

The Story:

After Felipe, a newly immigrated student in Manhattan gets into a fight with a boy named Malik in the high school hallway, they both end up in detention. Joined by another student, Jeanie, they get ready to settle into a stereotypical high school story. However, this is no ordinary story as an explosion rocks the school and the kids realize that New York is under attack by a massive kaiju! Now these three teenagers have to survive the horrors in a post appocolyptic NYC to save Felipe’s mother and get off of the island.

The Writing:

Having no previous knowledge of Julio Anta’ writing, I was not sure what I would be getting going into this story. The cover was intriguing but the old saying is true so I went in hopeful but not expectant. Thankfully I can say after reading this issue… this may be the single best introduction to a writer and story I have ever had the pleasure to read. Anta’s writing is quick and smart, using a framing device to set up what this world is like just to jump back a few days to introduce the reader to the characters right before their world is blown up. The character work is wonderful here, I know exactly what the drive is for Felipe in this story with very quick and silent flashbacks. The three protagonists are likable immediately and the threat is daunting and I cannot gush over this story enough!

The Art:

First of all, like I said before, the cover on this book is top notch! It immediately made me want to read it. Jacoby Salcedo’s art, not just on the cover but throughout, is phenomenal! Once you add in Francesco Segala’s colors you get a feast for the eyes. The highlights of this issue’s artwork were in the flashbacks. Any time an art team gets to stretch their legs with mostly silent panels is a treat. The action and destruction is perfectly displayed and with each page I grew to love this issue more and more. This is what good art is supposed to do, elevate and already strong script to make a cohesive story that makes readers want to come back again and again.

Overall Grade 10/10

No Gods No Masters issue number 1 is a masterclass in crafting a perfect fist issue! This story kicked off with a bang and I cannot wait to see where this series goes. The action, characters, and rich lore are immediately evident and each page is a work of art.

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Have you read this issue? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

No Gods No Masters #1 – The Breakfast Club With Monsters?