Collecting the hit mini-series, STRAY tells the story of Rodney Weller, the former sidekick known as “the Rottweiler.” When his mentor, the Doberman, is murdered, Rodney has to decide if he wants to come back to the world of capes and masks and, if he does, who he wants to be. Cover by Dean Haspiel (The Fox)!

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview offers a promising entry into the world of superhero noir. This preview sets the stage for a mystery-driven narrative filled with action and character exploration.

The story in this preview follows Rodney Weller, also known as Stray, as he investigates the murder of his former mentor, the Doberman. The creators of this preview create a plot that combines classic detective elements with superhero dynamics, creating a unique blend of genres. The narrative is engaging, though it occasionally struggles with pacing, balancing introspective moments with action sequences.

The character development is a key strength of this preview. Rodney is portrayed as a complex protagonist, grappling with the loss of his mentor and the burden of stepping into his shoes. This preview delves into Rodney’s internal conflicts and motivations, making his journey relatable and compelling. The exploration of Rodney’s past and his relationships with other characters adds layers to the narrative, enhancing the overall impact of the story.

The side characters, while not extensively developed in this preview, shows potential for growth. Their interactions with Rodney hint at deeper connections and conflicts, setting the stage for future character dynamics. This focus on relationships enriches the narrative, making the world of “Stray” feel more vibrant and interconnected.

The artwork in this preview complements the narrative with its gritty and dynamic style. The illustrations capture the essence of a superhero noir, using shadow and contrast to enhance the mood and atmosphere. The visual storytelling effectively conveys the tension and urgency of Rodney’s investigation which have drawn me into the mystery at the heart of the story.

The dialogues throughout this preview are sharp and engaging, reflecting this preview’s talent for crafting authentic character interactions. Conversations feel natural and contribute significantly to character development and plot progression. The balance of tension and emotion in the dialogue enriches the storytelling, making interactions both entertaining and meaningful.

One of the strengths of this preview is its thematic exploration. This preview delves into themes of legacy, identity, and the complexities of mentorship, inviting us as readers to reflect on the challenges faced by Rodney. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.

Despite this preview’s strengths, it occasionally leaves certain plot threads underexplored, which have left me eager for more resolution. However, this sense of mystery and anticipation serves to heighten interest in full version of this comic book, encouraging continued engagement with the series.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 3 / 5