HELIOS #1

Helios - n : (Greek mythology) ancient god of the sun, son of Hyperion; drove his chariot across the sky from east to west daily; identified with Roman Sol.

I want to start by saying that it is a shame that HELIOS is only being self-published through creator Mike Penny’s small press company, Dakuwaka Productions. HELIOS is an extremely well thought out superhero concept, packed with interesting dialogue and story, and wrapped with slick and clean artwork. This is a comic that I think many comic shops may be overlooking because it is being self-published. Those shops are doing themselves a disservice by not carrying HELIOS.

Creator Mike Penny, together with writer Jason Rand (SMALL GODS), has taken the old concept of a government sanctioned military superhero team to new levels. Penny and Rand provide a very real feeling military sub-group in charge of super-powered folks, known as Neo Genetics, or New Genetics. This special military group must contend with tight budgets, nosey oversight committees, political interference, and espionage. Even without the superhero element, this would be a fascinating and intriguing comic.

The Neo Genetics, the folks with super powers, are equally well depicted. Penny and Rand provide a brief history on when New Genetics were first discovered and how the NeoGenic Task Force, or Neo Force, was established. The Neo Genetic characters have powers that we’ve seen in other comics before, but these characters are still learning how to use their powers. They are using them in new and interesting ways, and some of them have powers that are still mutating and developing. The military not only finances Neo Genetic soldiers, but acts as support for them on their missions, and is equipped to train and push them into becoming the best super soldiers that they can be.

The art in HELIOS is just as impressive as the concept and writing. Penciler Gabe Pena has a wonderful style that is I think fits well for this comic. His depiction of the Neo Genetic characters is as believable as his regular human characters. Gabe has a style that reminds me of Paul Pelletier, Tom Grummett, and Mark Bagley. I think Gabe has a very bright future as a comicbook artist.

The one thing that intrigues me most about this comic is the title, HELIOS. Why HELIOS? None of the characters are named Helios, and neither is the governmental or military group in charge of the team of Neo Genetics. I wonder what is developing and growing in this story. Where is it headed to justify a title like HELIOS?

HELIOS is a fun and exciting comicbook. If you are a fan of G. I. JOE, THUNDERBOLTS, or ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, I think you will enjoy HELIOS.

Reviewer: Jon Hook

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Jon Hook is a freelance writer/creator. Any publishers that would like Jon to do a review, please feel free to contact him through Ed Dukeshire on the contact page.

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