Written & illustrated by Stuart Jennett
Published by Titan Comics
One of the perks of my job here is comics, free comics. Comics from companies I wouldn’t usually read because I couldn’t afford them on top of my regular pulls. Chronos Commandos from Titan Comics is one such book. When the opportunity arose to read it I jumped at the chance. An indie book with a really great premise, how could I say no? It turned out to be a really good decision.
Chronos Commandos is about a WW II unit who travels through time to fight Nazis who also have time traveling ability. We all know Hitler had an affinity for the non-conventional and sometimes mystic way of thinking so the idea behind this book plays into that perfectly. In the debut issue we follow the American unit’s leader, only known as the Sarge, through a Jurassic jungle as they hunt for a squad of Nazis who are present in this time. We also meet the Sarge’s crew, but by the end the Sarge becomes the real hero of the book.
The story plays right into my love of time travel, though it stays light on paradox, as well as my love of WW II history (I do prefer the European Theater, but the Jurassic Theater will do.) as with most #1s there isn’t a whole lot of plot as the story is just being set up, but what we do get is some creepy travel through the jungle and some great surprise moments that seem straight out of a movie. I honestly enjoyed reading every page though you aren’t too sure of what’s going on yet. By the end of the book some really interesting elements come into play and you can’t help but be left wanting to read the next issue.
The other amazing thing about this book is that, like Hellboy’s Mike Mignola, writer Jennett also pulls double duty as the artist, and he kills it! The panels are beautiful and all of the scenery feels so lush and vibrant. The character designs are spot on for the time period being portrayed, right down to the cliché but awesome half smoked cigar that takes up permanent residence in the Sarge’s mouth. All of the action is done really well and I especially loved some of the kills, they were on some seriously ‘Oh sh@t!’ moments.
Overall my experience with Chronos Commandos was great and I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to catch a break from the usual super hero fare. With a great story idea and some beautiful art to match you will not be disappointed. All I can is, Titan Comics, can you hook a brotha up with the second issue?
4 out of 5 nerds
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