As one of the founding members of Frank Miller Presents, writer and former DC publisher Dan DiDio is also getting the chance to bring his newest comic book creations to life. Written and edited by DiDio, drawn by Danilo Beyruth, colored by Alex Sinclair, and lettered by Carlos M. Mangual, Ancient Enemies #1 is an explosive new series that aims to wow and provoke at the same time. The first issue sets the stage for an intriguing storyline that has several levels of meaning to navigate.
The Earth has been caught up in a fight between two alien races. There were numerous casualties when these factions first fought. The world tries to rebuild and create a new way of life. Yet, with the chance to create a more equal society and a better tomorrow for everyone, humanity falls into the same pitfalls as before, dividing society into the haves and have-nots.
As the story begins, it feels like another post-apocalyptic tale and a rebuild of America in the same vein as Image Comics’ Undiscovered Country, but it quickly reveals itself as a superhero story with something important to say. In fact, it might be the ordinary people, not the supes, who can make the real difference here.
While Ancient Enemies #1 presents itself as a story about warring alien races, it’s more than that. The biggest theme here is the class war between the cities of Citadel and Americana and how it’s a boiling cauldron ready to explode. DiDio digs into uncomfortable and pertinent territory here. He explores the sometimes callous and blasé human nature when it comes to societal issues, as people hide behind bureaucracy as an excuse for inaction. The discussions between Rosemary and Morrigan cut deep and act as harsh reminders of how people fail each other.
Danilo Beyruth already has an impressive body of work with series like The Unbelievable Gwenpool and Deadpool v. Gambit. But after this issue, the Big Two will be spinning around to try to secure his services. His detailed designs and exemplary use of negative space are sure to leave an impression. There’s a subtle futuristic look to the book, but it also knows when to up the ante and dive into full-blown superheroics in the artwork. Similarly, Sinclair deserves a wealth of praise for the vibrant and eye-catching colors that electrify the pages and help the reader to notice the differences between the two cities and opposing aliens. Mangual’s masterful lettering effort lights up the action with impactful sound effects.
It’s two wins out of two for Frank Miller Presents with Ancient Enemies #1. It might appear to be a traditional cape affair with an extraterrestrial influence, but it’s clear there’s more to this story than meets the eye. The first issue is an absolute firecracker with a powerful and resonating message that sets an extremely high bar for the rest of the series.
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