The Red Wing #1

By Sharayah Read On November 10, 2011 · 1 Comment · In Comic Books

The Red Wing

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artist: Nick Pitarra

Colours: Rachelle Rosenberg

IMAGE

Marvel architect Jonathan Hickman returns to Image for another creator-owned project. With a massive reputation for his works in more main stream based comics such as Fantastic Four, Shield, and the new Ultimate Universe I was compelled to read one of his own stories.

The story opens with eight words that really challenge our basic concepts of time travelling theory, “Time is not linear. There is no paradox”. A great way to start off this comic, and if anyone is going to tamper with theoretical science it should be Jonathan Hickman. The Red Wing, a time-travelling troop of fighter pilots, has taken charge against the enemy. The plan is to alter their past to defeat their present. In the first issue we meet two different generations, the fathers, and the sons, although both fighting in the same war, they are in two different times.

We’re told at the begging of this issue that there is no paradox and that time is not linear so it is somewhat easy to grasp whats happening off the bat. However, we are dropped into a story without much explanation, a reality that may push away some readers while leaving others wary of the series. Luckily enough, while writing such an intriguing Sci-Fi story Hickman manages to keep things at a simple pace and easily understandable, whilst still challenging the reader to pay close attention and follow through the series with a basic awareness of all that is encompassed by it.

Nick Pitarra’s art is stunning. Very Frank Quietly-esq in comparison. Aside from the group of panels showing a man age so rapidly the main layout and page structure is pretty standard. He’s able to portray the story extremely well alongside Hickman’s writing.

All-in-all if you’re looking to get lost in the mind of Hickman, I can only assume this story won’t be disappointing with the premise laid out thus far in issue #1. I am expecting great things from this series and with this first instalment Hickman seems to be aware if the high expectations his fans have for The Red Wing.

It is with this awareness and a very talented team, that Hickman has successfully made The Red Wing #1 a very enjoyable read whilst still challenging his readers intellectually – an aspect I can only hope continues throughout the next three issues.

4.5 out of 5 for this one. Pick it up, it’s worth the read for any time travel / Hickman fan.