Oh, Killstrike 1

Jared, a new father, fears parenthood. An old comics fan, he turns to them for comfort. But when he unwittingly lets loose his favorite character, Killstrike - a single minded, vengeance loving anti-hero - onto the world, Jared must find a way to send him back before he harms all the people he loves the most.

This is the first issue in a four issue limited series.  On the surface, it is a humorous self indulgent fantasy.  It is the selfish dream come true, of every child that ever read a comic, and wished that in some way, that special character could step out of the pages.  That’s exactly what happens to Jared in the first issue, when he thinks to sell his Killstrike comic due to its unexpected rise in value.  He is shocked however, when to his surprise, the Killstrike character steps out in all his muscle bound, thrill seeking, vengeance-starved glory.  The book does have a deeper somewhat cleverly veiled social commentary that pokes a satirical finger at all the worst things about the last 5 decades of comic book publishing.

Whether you read this title and find it clever or absurd, there is no doubt that it was carefully crafted.  The story shows a distinct depth, that belies the humorous nature of the impossible situation Jared finds himself in.  The art is bold, running with the tongue-in-cheek writing.  Killstrike isn’t just big and muscled.  His back muscles, have back muscles.  His guns have guns.  Jared and his wife, aren’t just average, but are excessively average in looks and demeanor.  This is a very serious, farcical story, that readers of all backgrounds will enjoy, as long as they can laugh at what they love a little.

For more information about Oh, Killstrike or other offerings from BOOM! Studios, please visit their website at BOOM! Studios.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.