Comic Book Review: Contract #1

Contract #1

Created by: Garan Madeiros

Story by: Garan Madeiros and Charles Shell

Credits: Dave Ross, Sal Vellutto, Kevin Sharpe, Mark McKenna, and Ariel Padilla

Published by: First Salvo Productions

In a capitalist world's dark future, Mercenary is no longer just a soldier for hire. It's a way of life. Law is enforced by cyber-powered Mercs and life or death is decided by the lowest bidder. There is no right or wrong beyond the price in hard currency. Jessie Garrett, however, is everything most Mercs are not: honest, selfless and determined to bring order to greed-hardened worlds, driven mad by money. But when a corporate kidnapping goes wrong, Jessie, and fellow Mercs, Panzer and Tsumi, get in over their heads. Strip clubs, black-market organ dealers, cyber-enhanced soldiers and the life of one young girl collide in Contract's first 3-part mini-series, and no one can predict the cost.

Sci-Fi action, a merc with a conscience, big breasts, and a flare for the theatric, cyborgs, and a spiritual swordsman! All of this can be found in First Salvo Productions's Contract #1.

Kidnapping is just another part of business in the Helios Star System, but when the ransom for a young girl is paid and the girl is not returned, a desperate father turns to the Cyber Merc Guild to get a contract out on the kidnappers. He gets Stellar Rangers, Inc. "Despite the name, I hear they're quite good," the contract broker quips.

Steller Rangers, Inc. are Jessie Garrett, CEO of the Rangers with an afinity for the old west, Panzer, who likes to break things, and Tsumi, cynical master of the art of Channeling.

The Rangers run into a snag when they find out the kidnapped girl has been stolen by organ rippers. Can the trio find the girl and fulfill their contract before her organs are harvested?

Contract is full of action, comedy, and suspense. All of this and presented with engaging art makes this super-sized first issue one that you need to pick up. Madeiros's characters are interesting and likable and he wastes no time getting to the action providing back story in a stimulating way.

Contract #1 carries 3 stories. The way the credits are presented, I'm not exactly sure who does what. I think Charles Shell draws the first, main story. Shell (or whoever) keeps the movement going, keeping the panels from being just talking heads as could have happened in some places.

The second tale is pencilled by Kevin Sharpe with smooth, crisp, dynamic images. The story is just a quick look at how Jessie handles situations.

The final story tells about the Crechebabies, cybernetic warriors raised in a virtual reality.

Take Joss Whedon's "Firefly", mix in a touch of Star Wars, with a topping of
Wall Street, with pretty art, and you have Contract. And seriously, 3 stories for $3.99...That's $1.33 per story! Compare that with the $2.99 or more you pay for one story and you'll see the deal.

If you missed it last week, pick it up today! If your store missed it, ask for it...or Panzer will break things.