I was going to put off doing this review, not for any negative reason, it’s just that I like to read, then relax and let the book sink in like a fine wine. Yet the second I put down Catalyst Comix #1, a bold new comic universe by Joe Casey, I wanted to tell as many people as I could about just how surprisingly spectacular this book truly is. A must have in every sense of the word.



Catalyst Comix #1 is comprised of three short stories, all taking place on the same day from three different perspectives. That day is 12-21-12, which is potentially the end of the world. The first story, entitled ‘The Ballad of Frank Wells’, is told from the perspective of a former super hero named Titan aka Frank Wells. While we may not know much about Frank, what Casey gives us is just enough to make Frank an endearing hero. With half of Manhattan wiped out due to an inter-dimensional monster, Frank ends up being Earth’s last line of defense, or so he thinks. Casey takes readers deep into Frank’s mind as he battles, what he thinks, is his last, and all the fears and self-doubt that can plague a powerless man who has only been powerful. That is until he surprises himself, and the world, by being victorious.



The next story, ‘Amazing Grace’, offers the truth behind Frank’s victory over the inter-dimensional monsters and is by far the trippiest of the three tales. This is the tale of Amazing Grace, a space pilot with a strong psychic connection to the monsters. While we don’t find many answers, the artwork by Paul Maybury is extremely satisfying. The tale looks and reads like classic Kirby and Lee.



The final story is almost a throwaway, but set’s us up for fun further down the road. ‘Agents of Change’ looks to be the ‘Avengers’ of Catalyst Comix, as a mysterious corporate suit begins recruiting former superheroes to help save the world. One of these heroes is Elvis Warmaker, an Elvis impersonator with an impressive array of weaponry. While this story may be deal with an event that no one cares about, Casey’s words, not mine, it’s still exciting to see how all these stories will connect in future issues.



I’ve mentioned the art briefly but it should be noted that this book is gorgeous. McDaid, Maybury and Farinas are names you should definitely watch out for.



Catalyst Comix #1 is an exciting new property for Dark Horse Comics. It’s an expertly crafted world, one which Casey has meticulously honned, that’s topped off with a cherry of vibrant artwork. I have seen the future of superhero comic books, and it’s called Catalyst Comix.



Catalyst Comix #1

Script: Joe Casey

Art: Dan McDaid, Paul Maybury, Ulises Farinas

Colours: Brad Simpson

Letters: Rus Wooton

Cover: Rafael Grampa

Publisher: Mike Richardson for Dark Horse Comics