OUTCASTS OF JUPITER (REVIEW)

REVIEW OVERVIEW

Lets’t start with what you need to know about this comic.

First: Outcasts of Jupiter does not actually take place on Jupiter. The comic itself takes place in Morocco in the year 3125,

against the backdrop of a world that’s a bit of a mix of the old one and a new technologically advanced future. And Secondly: The comic is written and drawn by the Coker Bros, Shobo (writer) and Shof Coker (art); a pair of Nigerian brothers who have been working on this title for quite a while. The plot revolves mainly around a group who have banded together to rescue a man named Persio from wrongful imprisonment under a corrupt regime.


“THE WHITE HAT”: Having read the first issue of “Outcasts of Jupiter”, I got the sense that this story was merely the beginning of a greater story (as it is with most #1 comics). Having rescued their friend in the end, they are immediately offered a job that will most likely lead to more adventures. It’s still a little difficult to tell where the story is headed in the comic, but the first issue did it’s job by introducing the characters and the possible themes the title will take on as it goes along. On a more personal note: It was kinda nice to see that the Coker Bros attempted to add a little of their Nigerian heritage into the comic. A particular character in the comic (not a major one I’m guessing) was sporting what appeared to be a typical Ibadan fila (Cap/Hat) and when first introduced, asked one of the major characters if he wanted to eat some “Iyan” (pounded yam) with him. I also thought it was quite interesting that the Coker Bros mentioned “Tintin” and “Parker” comics as the touchstones or inspiration behind what they want to achieve with the comic. The character designs and world designs are beautiful and well crafted. The art style and muted earth-tone colors are simply amazing.




Here’s what they had to say on the subject (Sourced from Comic Book Resources interview):


Shof Coker: “That does warrant clarification, as narratively, they are as different as it gets. Tintin‘s stories and tone influence Outcasts more in the traditional sense, but although I never read the Westlake Parker novels, the recent Darwyn Cooke graphic adaptations were in my mind when developing Outcasts from a technical perspective. I’m a big fan of Cooke’s rendering ability, staging and storytelling. Cooke also does a great job of dressing up a pulpy bygone [era] in a fresh and alluring manner. Of course because there are heists in Outcasts referencing Parker played into my thinking too.”


Shobo Coker: “Yup, the Tintin influence is primarily narrative and spice. One thing those books (and the Asterixbooks) did wonderfully was provide an insight into different cultures around the world, we want to do that as well.Tintin met folks of different color, in different clothes, who had different customs and traditions. A massive part of Outcasts of Jupiter is getting immersed in the world, so we’ve spent a lot of time doing research on language, custom, architecture and clothing.”


So here’s “THE BLACKBOX”: The only thing I can say as a negative, is that we don’t really get a sense of the characters so far, but I’ve only read the first issue and that’s to be expected.


VERDICT: Outcasts of Jupiter #1 is by no means an accomplishment in itself for Nigerian comic creators. In terms of standard the comic is right up there with the best of them. The story is still developing and I get the sense that as the comic goes on, will get to understand more about the world and the characters. All in all a great start, so it should come as no surprise that the title has been picked up by one of the major international comic companies.


You can follow the Coker Bros and their comic here: www.cokercoop.com