Pilot Season: Genius #1 comes out tomorrow, of course! Read the full review after the jump and see how it stands up in the rankings.
Pilot Season: Genius #1
Writers: Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman
Artist: Afua Richardson
Letters: Troy Peteri
Design: Chaz Riggs
Editor: Rob Levin
Cover: Afua Richardson
Summary: “Alexander, Hannibal, Napoleon, Patton. What if the greatest military mind of our generation was born in strife, surrounded by violence and combat since birth? When the gauntlet is dropped, the question isn’t ‘How did 17-year-old Destiny Ajaye unite the gangs of South Central into a killer army and declare war on the LAPD?’ No, the question is, ‘Can anyone stop her?’”
I guess this is one of those it-depends-what-you-like things.
But since it’s my job as your GEN comics reviewer to bring you honest reviews … I have to say I just wasn’t impressed with this one. At all.
(EDIT: Thanks to Mel Caylo from Top Cow for the comic information, which—as you can see in the comments section—she said was missing from the copy that was sent. 
)
Anyway, let’s get on to the review. The comic is about seventeen-year-old Destiny Ajaye, who has been working to turn the normally rivaled gangs of Los Angeles into one machine to fight back against the police. The story is told by two narrators: Detective Reggie Grey—who has been studying the rise of this intriguing force known as “Suspect Zero” (aka Destiny, although they don’t know that yet)—and Destiny herself, who is being described by cops as a tactical genius.
The ironic thing is, Genius #1 is far from, well, genius. This kind of stuff doesn’t catch my attention. I kept hoping that there would be some twist that would show me this storyline was more than what it seemed, but it’s just urban/gang violence. There’s not even a concrete reason given to justify what Destiny is doing, so how can I sympathize with anything going on here? I really don’t see where this is going, or why I should care.
Harsh? Maybe. But trust me: Don’t waste your money on this.
Still curious? You can check out a preview of the comic here.
Lady Pendragon VS Genius
I don’t even think I need to explain this verdict.
Your turn: If you read Pilot Season: Lady Pendragon #1, what did you think?
June 17th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
The first thing I noticed from looking at the sample pages they have is that the art itself does not seem all too impressive. While I’m sure the artist was going towards the whole “gritty” look….some of the panels seem…I dunno…they seem to be missing that certain…je ne sais quoi. I’m also sure the artist is capable of great pieces, I just don’t think that this particular style works too well for my taste. I’m sure it at least deserves a browse-through when I’m rummaging around the comic book store….we shall see…….:p
June 17th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
It’s definitely not worth your money, Moe. But yeah, the art isn’t that impressive, either.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Hi there!
Sorry you didn’t care too much for the comic. But you’re right: It depends on what you like.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know who else worked on the comic. (The actual print version has a credits page but the review you were sent did not have that or any of the ad pages included, a mistake I made by sending out the wrong version.)
Letters: Troy Peteri
Design: Chaz Riggs
Editor: Rob Levin
Thanks!
Mel Caylo
Top Cow
June 18th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Ohh, okay! I thought that was weird!
Thanks, Mel, I shall edit the post now.
May 11th, 2009 at 8:21 am
::shrugs:: I tried. But its not my best work. Greatful to have the opportunity to do another one under less stressful conditons. ( not stress from Topcow mind you — those guys are awesome.) BUt i’ll be Puttin a good foot forward ^__^. Thanks for the honesty. Its my 1st book cover to cover and I’m happy to have just finished it. can only go up from here i guess
cheers all