After posting video reviews of the first two entries into Eric July’s Rippaverse, Isom #1 & Isom #2, I have decided to make my reviews written website exclusives, as they may now seem out of place on my YouTube channel. As such, continue reading to hear my thoughts on the third comic taking place in the Rippaverse, Alphacore #1, written by the legendary Chuck Dixon and drawn by Joe Bennett.
In my video reviews of the two Isom issues, I praised the story and art. Looking back, I now realize I was somewhat blinded to their flaws, and my opinions of them have fallen rather far. That being said, I tried to pick up Alphacore without any preconceived notions, positive or otherwise. What I found was a perfectly adequate little story, burdened by detestable main characters and distracting colors. While in previous Rippaverse reviews, I attempted to review the art as well as the story, I have now realized I lack the knowledge or credentials to properly critique such work, and will thus only be reviewing Alphacore #1 and all future Rippaverse issues on a story level.
That being said, let’s dive into my thoughts. Firstly, I enjoyed Alphacore #1 much more than the first two issues of Isom, even after taking a more critical look at all three comics. The story is clearer, the action makes more sense, and the powers of the characters are more well-defined. The idea of a police force that enlists super-powered humans is not a new one, but I think it works well here. The stakes of the story are quite low, even for characters with quite fantastical powers, but I think that is an advantage of this issue. It is supposed to serve as an introduction to the Alphacore, a small little adventure to familiarize us with the characters. And in that goal, this comic succeeds.
The problem is, the characters suck. Not in the way they’re written in relation to the story, but in the way they’re characterized as people. Two of the three members of the main Alphacore team are terrible people, and the third barely talks at all. Bryan Solari, the team leader and Superman-equivalent of the team, is somehow a dolt and a jerk all at once. He treats everyone else in the story with little to no respect, but also makes key mistakes that not even a kid would make. What’s more Ingrid Valdez, the female member of the team and Wonder Woman-parallel, is just as bad. Those two together act superior to everyone else. In reality, would that likely be the case? Sure. If an individual were to acquire amazing powers, it would be difficult not to gloat or become arrogant. However, these are supposed to be superheroes. They’re supposed to be people we strive to emulate, people who choose to do good even if being evil would be the easier option. In Alphacore #1, two of the three main characters feel like they’re going through the motions of being heroes, and would rather use their powers for their own personal means or gain.
The story of this issue culminates in a big sacrifice by one of the side characters, and it definitely feels rushed, as we’ve had little time to get to know him. While that can be seen as a larger problem with this story, I will not be too critical of it. This is, after all, an introductory issue, and so being unfamiliar with the characters inside its pages is only to be expected.
So, while I think the Rippaverse still has monumental strides to make in order to establish itself as a premier comic storytelling titan, I believe Alphacore #1 was a step in the right direction. While I would not recommend this comic book, I believe it is the best to come from Eric July’s new company so far. The story is tighter and more sensible than Isom. The characters, though, drag Alphacore down mightily. Reading about irritating people being irritable to their peers isn’t exactly a fun experience. Still, the Rippaverse may have more to offer in the future. Unfortunately, Alphacore #1 was just underwhelming.
Russell A. Wells 