A look at the new Dark Horse Presents (Issues 1-3)Review by Paul Fiander
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When it comes to anthologies Dark Horse Presents has been the top of the pile for a while. The proof is in the awards it has amassed to date with 3 Eisner Awards in 2012, 2013 and 2014 along with the 2012 and 2013 Harvey Awards. However although a critical success the book on within the shops had an issue, it was pretty pricey and sales were not where the publisher probably wished they would be. So in August 2014 DHP had a price cut and a new era in the prestigious anthologies history was born. However what does this price cut and format change mean for the quality of the book? We have waited three issues to find out and so far the results have been impressive to say the least.
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For those not sure an Anthology is a collection of shorter stories built within one volume. Although on a single issue basis DHP offers chapters of stories as well as short stories, allowing series to build as well as giving you tasty morsels to satisfy you from month to month. The format is built around 48 pages of story although Issue 1 did have 56 pages. The cost for these stories is $4.99 seemingly the price for top end single issues (Like Batman). In terms of value for money this seems like a good deal, with creators like Fred Van Lente, Declan Shalvey, Geoff Darrow, Peter Hogan and Dave Stewart on show among a host of others. The established talent also allows newer creators a chance to be read and seen which is probably the best thing about this particular anthologies structure.
The stories to date have been great with The Big Guy and Rusty the Robot headlining the first issue. It’s a comical one shot that is over in 8 pages (with a further 6 pages of pinups), Geoff Darrow is writer (in place of Frank Miller) and artist along with the immense Dave Stewart on colours. With two visual heavyweights it’s a great way to kick things off and draw people into the new series. The highlights are not just reserved to the opening though as we get the first chapter of a new Resident Alien story (that spans the three issues to date) and a Sabretooth Swordsman story to boot. For those unfamiliar with the sword wielding tiger this is a great entry point into the creation of Damon Gentry and Aaron Conley. |
The second and third issues are just as strong as we get to continue stories and meet a wonderful short by Ricardo Delgado entitled the Age of reptiles. Just too really show the diversity of the publication we also have an Alien short called Aliens: Field Report starring Lieutenant Hicks created by Chris Roberson and Paul Lee. Although for some (like me – Paul) this diversity is a strength the is an issue with you do not know what you are buying on a monthly basis. If you like a splash of something new every month then DHP is the best way to enjoy a host of content in one place the new lower price coupled with the big names onboard will satisfy most appetites and the chance to discover a new creator is nothing to be sniffed at. All in all DHP has shown it is adaptable and able to move with the times, the hope is its future is safe and judging by the first three issues a long run is not beyond its limits.
To find out more from Dark Horse about this title click here
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