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Writers - David Wohl with Scott Lobdell

Artist - Emilio Laiso

Colorists - Brett Smith with Stefani Rennee

 

 

 

Stories involving aliens and high school students are rare, but nothing new. The Robert Rodriguez film The Faculty and the 90's Nickelodeon show The Journey of Allen Strange are examples of two different takes on how aliens and high school students would interact. Aspen Comics tries to add something new to the "aliens meets high school students" template with their latest comic entitled Homecoming #1. Unfortunately, the comic is stale on delivery.

 

Starting off with the good, I have to say that first four pages are the strongest part of the script. That does not necessarily mean that it is something to write home about; however, it delivers a (relatively) inspired take on the typical "human visits UFO" scene. The rest of the comic drops down in quality.

 

At the heart of the comic's faults is its lack of originality. The main character/primary narrator Hunter Wilson is the "everyboy" nerd that slacks off, but is still lovable. Other characters include figures such as the likable and somewhat dumb jock and the shy, sweet and nerdy girl that the hero secretly loves. There is nothing unique to the characters' personalities that would make them stand out amongst similar characters. Another problem with the comic is that the script has an outdated look on youth culture. Homecoming #1 makes dated references to Leroy Jenkins and Punk'd, which have not been that relevant for quite some time.

 

The biggest issue that I have with the comic revolves around Hunter's first meeting with the mysterious Celeste. It is not necessarily how Celeste first appeared, but how David Wohl and Scott Lobdell progressed the scene from there. Without spoiling anything, things move in Hunter's favor in a convenient fashion. Instead of keeping elements that could be used to elevate tension, Wohl and Lobdell conveniently sidestep those problems in order to move the story where they want it to go. It is not driven by a natural ebb and flow that is driven by the characters, but by the writers.

 

Emilio Laiso and company turn in some serviceable art. Lasio clearly translates the script into something that the reader can visually follow. It is not bad; It is not good. The art simply is. 

 

Homecoming #1 is a below average comic. It fails to be a breath of fresh air in a crowded market. Skip it and look elsewhere for entertainment.

 

4.6* out of 10*

 

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