Inspired by the ancient Greek myth of Hercules, Nullhunter is the type of story only those who love stories can tell. It’s clear that the art of myth-making is important to Michael Walsh and Gustafo Vargas, and it shows in every panel of this first issue.
As I mentioned on a recent episode of the AIPT Comics Podcast (featuring Michael Walsh as a special guest), I was a bit obsessed with Greek mythology when I was younger, and the 12 Labors of Hercules was a particular favorite. As you can imagine, I love a good space opera, especially one that builds up a vast universe to keep the action down. Nullhunter offers all of that and more, weaving the story of the Twelve Workers in a large-scale sci-fi setting reminiscent of The Exaltation of Dune, Star Wars, and even a dash of Brazil. Masu.
In this first issue, Michael Walsh and Gustafo Vargas provide an incredible introduction to this distant future, setting up characters like Clay and his father Zaiz to drive this violent tale of revenge. However, it still leaves many breadcrumbs and mysteries behind. Tables related to the OLYMP0S company and the true nature of Clay’s tragic attack that started the problem.
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Gustafo Vargas’ colorful artwork brings everything to vivid life, making every new world and setting we see feel both familiar and alien at the same time. This book does a great job of introducing futuristic technology that still has a clear purpose and function, leaving the reader wondering, “What was that all about?” There are very few. Even the sequence where Clay’s bionics are forcibly removed and upgraded feels grounded, with the pain evident on Clay’s face. But don’t worry. There’s plenty of comic book action here, but it still feels like it’s in service to the characters. The book’s central cybernetic battle against the Lion of Nemea ends up leading to Clay becoming a gnarled mess, but I’m not entirely sure he wants to end his quest at this point in the story . Vargas creates incredible facial expressions for Clay, taking us through every moment of anxiety and self-doubt as he does the horrible things he has to do.
The dialogue is full of exposition, but it takes place in the middle of the action. This issue has to do a lot of heavy lifting to move the story forward, but it doesn’t feel sweaty in the slightest. Also, be sure to check out the back matter of this book, which explains a little more about OLYMP0S and the galaxies captured in its orbit.
Nullhunter is a book full of ideas and wild images. The fight scenes alone have your eyes glued to multiple places at once, and there’s a lot to take in. And once you read it, you’ll definitely want to read it again. In that sense, it feels like a myth is being created. 1 issue (and I have to admit I got to read the next two excellent issues as well) and I have a feeling this is a story I’ll be revisiting quite a bit in the future.
“Nullhunter” #1 is a heavy metal piece of love
Null Hunter #1
Featuring stunning art and compelling world-building, this heavy metal reinterpretation of a classic tale feels like a timeless myth in the making.
A clever reinterpretation of Greek mythology for a new galactic setting.
The characters are already fascinating, with Clay standing as a tormented and layered protagonist.
Every page is filled with creative designs, interesting page layouts, and cosmic color palettes.
