Vic Boone: Sci-Fi Private Eye
Artistic License: New comic series features a detective in a science-fiction world
What happens if you cross pulp detective stories with B-movie science fiction?
You get Vic Boone, a new comic series from 215 Ink.
Vic is a private detective in the classic sense. A combination of street smart and world weary, he is brash and headstrong. Not only does he find trouble, but it finds him as well.
The world he lives in makes things even more interesting. It is a futuristic world, in the style of the world in “Blade Runner,” complete with robots, flying cars and interesting creatures.
Writer and series creator Shawn Aldridge has done a nice job creating this interesting world. He has given us classic detective elements side by side with elements of the future.
One thing he does not do is go overboard with technology, but gives just the right amount. You know it is there, but it is not overpowering. His vision of the future is an old-fashioned one, which fits perfectly with Vic and his style.
The art comes from French artist Geoffo, and is very well done. Not the style of most current comics, but reflective of the world Aldridge has created. Simple lines, but very powerful. What I like most is the use of color. The colors are subdued, bold without being bright, giving the comic a noir feel.
At the start of the book, Vic is approached by socialite Nina Hunt, who wants him to help her with her husband. More than just having an affair, she claims he is framing her for murder.
His investigations have him getting information from a talking fly, encountering a strange gang from his past, and being followed and beaten by robots. He wakes up to find Nina in his apartment, and she has also been beaten. One thing leads to another, as you might expect, and the next morning Nina is gone, another murder is blamed on her, and now Vic is being framed for the murder of one of Hunt's employees.
A simple story, yet interesting, compelling and fun to read. There are twists and turns, as are expected in detective stories, but they are welcome and help move the story forward. Even when I predicted what was to come, there was always something about it that was a bit of a surprise.
I definitely enjoyed this comic, and I look forward to reading more about Vic and his world.
“Vic Boone” issue 1 will be released in June, but can be ordered now from your local comic shop. It will also be available digitally, and you can check the 215 Ink webpage for more information.
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