D4VE #1

By Ryan Ferrier and Valentin Ramon

Science Fiction can be a tough sell in comics, sci-fi comedy is even more difficult. This month IDW gives us D4VE, which tries its luck at humor in a science fiction book. Don’t let the genre scare you off, this is a spectacular book that is absolutely worth a read.

Ryan Ferrier answers the question of what robots would do if they took over the world. They would do the exact same things human beings do. Ferrier laces this issue with tons of humor that will make you laugh out loud. D4VE, a former war hero turned account manager is our narrator; his problems include being accused of charging on the clock to questioning his marriage. Even though he is a robot, Ferrier makes his problems extremely similar to human beings. That’s really where the enjoyment of this issue comes from, the clever story and the fact that after you have everything you want, it’s still not enough. Ryan adds a great human element to our protagonist that allows us to like him because we could be him. A very well written and plotted out issue in every sense of the word.

The art and colors are handled by Valentin Ramon. There is a lot to like art wise about this issue. Ramon captures the cold existence of a machine take over. The only panels where there is light or things begin to look better are in D4VE’s daydreams. Ramon also adds a great amount of detail to his work. Even though D4VE doesn’t have a face, based on his body language in certain panels, we can tell he is depressed. This is a superb job from Valentin Ramon, hopefully he keeps up the great work.

As far as introductory issues go, this was outstanding. The writing and pencils were extremely good and this should be a story anyone can pick up and enjoy. It almost seems like the Secret Life of Walter Mitty, but with a robot in place of Ben Stiller’s character. D4VE is by far one of the best reads of the week.