Review: Kong of Skull Island #1
This issue opens with the Kong in-fighting amongst each other. There are visitors to Skull Island who apparently have never seen the Kong in action and they are reassured that In-fighting is normal to determine rank. The natives believe that their gods sent the Kong to protect them. When the Kong gets out of control a native female, Ewata, has the proper tranquilizer to calm him down. In true Kong fashion, his chief weakness is the opposite sex.
The Creative Team:
James Asmus has filled this first issue with potential. There is apparently more than one Kong on this Skull Island and a visiting tribe is witness to the mating ritual. The natives of Skull Island are called Tagu. The rival warriors are called Atu. At first they approach each other in peace, but tension mounts between the two tribes thanks to the Kong. This issue is very enjoyable. It promises to lead us to bigger and better things.
Carlos Magno brings his brilliant talent to these pages. Some of the best Ape art in the history of comicdom. I am constantly reminded of Joe Kubert’s run on Tarzan. It’s only fitting that he comes on board this title since he was one of the primary artists on Boom’s Planet of the Apes. His battle of the Kong’s alone is worth the cover price and his attention to detail on both the apes and humans is some of the most remarkable comic book art.
The Cover:
Brilliant! Phillipe Massaferra has painted a cover that is a worthy introduction to this title. In the background is a clear night with a full moon which is the back drop for a mountainous terrain. Kong is pounding his chest in full fury mode while natives are in the foreground with looks of fear engrained to their facial features. The tribe has set a fire in an attempt to ward off the fury of the King of Kong Island. This tells the comic book store surfer that this Kong means business and should draw the curiosity of Kong fans and newcomers to the legend alike.
In Conclusion:
The tension builds as the Kong protect the Tagu from different creatures like Pterodactyls and other prehistoric creatures. The Tagu and the Atu seek to ease the strain that has developed between their respective tribes. And another ship has arrived at Skull Island. Their ship winds up destroyed and Ewata goes missing. Can the Kong protect its warriors from the strange creatures that inhabit Skull Island? Will a ship wreck take the lives of the tribe? Can the Kong be controlled without Ewata’s presence?
To be continued.
Kong of Skull Island #1
Writer: James Asmus
Art: Carlos Magno
Colors: Brad Simpson
Letters: Ed Dukshire
Cover: Phillipe Massafera
Publisher: Boom Studios
Publication date: July 13, 2016
SRP: $3.99
About the Author
Kevin Given Kevin Given has studied with "Longridge Writers Group" and "Writer's Boot Camp" a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the "Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter" franchise which includes 2 novels and 8 comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of "Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter" #1 and "Files of Karl Vincent" #1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series "Dracula Rising" (working title) and developing "Foul Blood" into comic book form.
