After reading four issues of this bare-knuckled series, I am thrilled to say Brooklyn Gladiator (Heavy Metal) is extremely entertaining in its raw grunginess. Readers will love how gleefully over-the-top Brooklyn Gladiator is when it comes to sex, violence, and its underlining social commentary.
Plot: “It’s 2033, New Yorkers survive on scraps in a despoiled America. John Miller is an action hero for the ages, a rough and ready badass who could drink Han Solo, Jack Burton, and John McClane under the table.”
Here are 5 reasons why you should read these four issues of Brooklyn Gladiator:
5) It’s Freaking Smart!
First off, I want to dive in and talk about how smart Brooklyn Gladiator is. Around the third and fourth issues, writers Dan Fogler and Andrew Harrison tackle topics such as capitalism, class division, and politics. With the script using metaphors, artist Simeon Aston even found a way to illustrate Trump’s Wall without the writers actually naming him. This comic proves creators can be entertaining and socially aware at the same time.
4) The Writing!
John Miller has a lot to say in his thought balloons since he doesn’t express much verbally. Fogler and Harrison have created an anti-hero who’s just wary of the outside world but still fighting against his dystopian environment. The lettering by Crank! bolds certain words that emphasize the underground slang. The bold letters remind readers that these characters have their way of speaking.
3) The Art!
There’s something raw and edgy about Simeon Aston’s illustrations! Aston doesn’t hold back on the blood and bruises when Miller takes a beating. In Aston’s take on the cyberpunk genre, technology is easily breakable and flimsy. The grungy covers by Simon Bisley are an iconic sight to behold.
2) The Colors!
The gray tones are used to heighten the somber atmosphere of the dystopian future. Because the gray overtones are grounded in every panel, that’s why other primary colors, such as blue and green, pop out every so often. This is why the comic has its own specific look.
1) An Entertaining Read!
Talk about one hell of an entertaining read with Brooklyn Gladiator! I am so psyched for what’s going to happen in the fifth issue!
Four of the five issuesof Brooklyn Gladiator are available now.