The Infinite #1

Robert Kirkman sure has his hands full - the ongoing success of The Walking Dead in print and its TV counterpart; launching the Image imprint Skybound Entertainment; creating a new all ages comic Super Dinosaur (that I absolutely LOVE); and starting yet another ongoing title in The Infinite, with artist Rob Liefeld creating the visuals. With these and the other projects Kirkman has his hands in, one might expect an occasional let down or a dropped ball.

Not here though - The Infinite #1 does what any solid first issue should do. It sets up the story of Bowen, a freedom fighter of sorts who manages to steal time traveling tech from what appears to be an overlord from a new race. The issue opens with Bowen and his best friend and military partner Case infiltrating the dictator Imperius's compound. Carnage ensues as they find out they have walked into a trap, but Bowen ultimately walks away with his end goal complete - the time-traveling belt of Imperius is in his possession.

With it, Bowen heads back in time to meet his younger self and save him from causing an accidental death during an altercation. Next, he introduces young Bowen and Case to the mission, takes them to an underground bunker stocked with futuristic weaponry, and starts to tell them the scarce known details of the origin of The Infinite - the group led by Imperius that takes over the world.

This is a solid first issue. The art is engaging, especially in the close-ups and action sequences, although there are a few panels that look flat and where the perspective looks skewed. Finding out more about the origins of The Infinite, what exactly they are and where they came from, and how both young and future Bowen interact with each other should make for an interesting read. Recommended, especially for those who like a mix of sci-fi, time travel, and military themes.

Review By: Joshua Frank