Giants #1

By Carlos Valderrama and Miguel Valderrama

Giants #1 is the debut issue of a new series from up and coming creators, Carlos and Miguel Valderrama. The brothers seem to bend a few genres together in this series as two young men, Zedo and Gogi, attempt to find their place in a world overrun by gang violence and giant monsters. Miguel’s art is attention-grabbing to say the least. His design for the behemoths does justice to the terror the characters feel for them, as they dominate whatever panels they appear in. The environment that Giants takes place in is equally enormous. This first issue brings several elements together that are intriguing enough to draw readers back for at least a few issues just to find out more about the world and its current state.

This comes with a few drawbacks, though. This issue is comparable to the feeling of nearly finishing a new tv show, or almost watching your favorite team win, only for the power to go out at the most exciting moment. It seems that just as Giants picks up some exciting momentum, it waves goodbye. Of course this generates more interest for the next issue, but at the cost of a solid ending to the issue.



With that being said, it’s difficult to find anymore issues with the premiere. Miguel sets the each scene masterfully with warm and cold tones depending on the setting, and an art style that combines the industrial and the monstrous. There’s a constant feeling of emptiness when Zedo and Gogi leave the inhabited area of the world as a result. The Valderrama brothers create a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre as well as promote well needed themes of hope in the face of impossible odds. The titular monsters serve as a larger metaphor, and some early narration suggests that the brothers will dive further into these possibilities in future issues.

Zedo and Gogi are clearly made for these impossible odds. They interact with one another in interesting ways, conflicting and working through their problems together, but always optimistic. Carlos’ dialogue distinguishes the boys’ personalities as well. Despite their common goal, they have different ideas about the best way to get there, and this individualizes them. They both aim for better lives for themselves through acceptance and duty.

Giants #1 spotlights a pair of new creators worthy of attention. This first issue shows many of the elements readers look for in good comics: unique premise, interesting characters, strong art design, and worthwhile themes. Despite some problems in timing as far as the ending of the issue is concerned, the Valderrama brothers display the best qualities of their new title, and, hopefully, will fill in the areas left blank with future issues.