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by Chuck Moore

Let's check in with the world of independent publishing today as we do a single review covering two issues. If it isn't already on your radar, let me introduce you to The Intergalactic Nemesis series. Before we begin, how about a video that sets the stage for this one...

You see, The Intergalactic Nemesis this isn't just a simple comic book series. Sure, you can read the printed version, BUT the series is also a live action performance which incorporates the actual comic via projector while actors perform the sound effects and music to accompany the story. For me, this really ramps up the interesting factor in a serious way as the story itself kind of screams live action as you read it.

Continue your visual adventure via jneulander's channel on YouTube!
Now for the review...

Intergalactic Nemesis #1 & #2
Released - Available Now!
Review copies of both issues were provided by the creators

If you like your storytelling to have a bit of a classic feel (both in presentation and content) and you also enjoy a pulp-ish tinge to your series, you are going to love Intergalactic Nemesis. Even if this type of story isn't your usual cup of tea, there's a lot to live here. Yes, it's just a little campy but it uses that back beat to its advantage in a fun way that doesn't take itself too seriously but still presents a solid story.

By the second issue, I found myself drawn into the broader tale quite nicely and intrigued just enough that I would seek out the third issue to see where they are going with this pulp hero alien adventure tale. The feel for me was somewhere between a really good old time radio play and a classic Indiana Jones styled adventure. It has a wit to itself and maintains a relaxed air that lets you enjoy the story for the story's sake and here that fact works.

Base in 1933, Molly Sloan and Timmy Mendez have a great Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen vibe to them as Molly is the modern woman, just a bit ahead of her times, always hunting her next prize winning story. Timmy is the more country minded member of the duo, constantly amazed by the world around him all the while dropping subtle corrections to the observations of others (which usually play out in A witty delivery a particularly enjoyed).

Conspiracy is afoot and there is an almost C'thulu vibe to the race that's the actual "Intergalactic Nemesis" from the planet Zygon. Our lead villain (at least so far in the story) is Mysterion the Magnificent (pictured left), a mesmerist of the first order who has visions of world domination and destruction from the word go.

In this story you have creepy castles, international adventure and a mysterious male lead, referred to as the librarian Ben Wilcott, that is a bit like Giles from Buffy if he were mixed with a well dressed action adventure hero. I liked him from the word go and he brings some nice mix of Dick Tracy technology into play that lets the reader know there is more to him than we know (plus he explains it all a little in issue #2).

The story is filled with fun little "dun dun dun" style reveal moments where you can almost hear the music from the live version playing in your head along with the page. The settings, especially in the second issue (dungeon, vintage traveler train, horse farm) are well suited to the story and the art is good and matched what they are doing here quite well. Overall, the series has a high production value and REALLY makes me want to see the stage version which compliments.

If I'm tracing the history of this story correctly, the comic is based on a stage play (by Jason Nuelander who scripts the issue) which is based on a radio drama of the same name which was based on the original idea of Ray Patrick Colgan. The inside cover does a better job of laying it all out, but it's clear there is a history to this project and more to the story.

The next performance of the live show will take place at Dell Hall at the Long Center in Austin, Texas on September 3rd and 4th (over Labor Day weekend). During the show, the comic is projected panel-by-panel on a huge 42' x 24' screen while the actors, a foley artist and a keyboardist perform voices, sounds effects and the music live. Tickets to take in the comic LIVE go on sale July 1st. Just for this aspect of the project alone, this work deserves to be celebrated. The fact that we got an enjoyable comic out of the equation is a bonus.

Learn more about this one by visiting www.theintergalacticnemesis.com.


Reviewer Bio

Chuck Moore (chuck@comicrelated.com) / Creator of Comic Related
What's my story? I grew up in southern Ohio. I owned seven comic shops in the 80's. I moved to Kentucky. I ran a radio station and did an alternative music show in the 90's. I traveled and did press work for the unlimited hydroplane racing series and with ESPN in the 00's. As the current decade heads toward its close, I stopped traveling a bit, bought a farm and started a comic book web site. That's it in a nutshell.



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