Writers: Andrew Cosby, Michael A. Nelson
Artist: Greg Scott
Publisher: Boom! Studios
It really says something about a story’s cast when they’re all unbelievably shocked when they find out that the evil prick guy turns out to be just as heartless as they thought he was, and yet they barely bat an eye upon encountering a tribe of weird broccoli monsters.
Such has been the characterization for the first three issues of X Isle, and every shallow Hollywood movie, in which consistent internal logic comes secondary to snappy overused one-liners:
“Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age.”
“This is where we’ll make our stand.”
“I always knew you’d be the death of me.”
“We’re never getting off this island.”
Could the characters please, please, please think of something useful and inspired to say? Maybe something unique to their personalities that doesn’t have to do with stereotypes or clichés? How about greater reaction to their environment and situation that doesn’t give the impression they go through this kind of trial on a weekly basis? If they don’t express any worry, then I don’t feel worried for them, and in a survival story with subdued stakes, the reader won’t feel engaged much at all.
And let’s not overlook some of the contrived travesties in the plot. The evil prick, after holding a gun to the protagonist’s head, hands it over as he parts ways. What a trusting pair of fools. Then the fat guy is afraid of falling to his death – unaware that he’s been walking on a ledge three above another solid surface. What was the point of that exercise, besides demonstrating how vapid these characters are?
At least Scott looks like he’s having a fun time on illustrations. The characters look great, the mood is suitable, and the designs for the creatures are sufficiently creepy. It’s a shame that he has to draw facial expressions to match the insipid dialogue. I almost feel compelled to grab some whiteout for the word balloons to do the illustrations a little justice.
You know what X Isle is missing from the usual Hollywood formula? Comedy relief. I vote that in issue four the characters come upon a stranded and bloodthirsty native who bears an uncanny resemblance to Jim Varney.
What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!