Kieron Gillen blasts into Free Comic Book Day with an exclusive preview introduction to his all-new sci-fi series, Mercury Heat! Over the last few years, Gillen’s work has gained a massive following from titles like Uber, The Wicked and the Divine, and Iron Man. Now Gillen takes you to Mercury, a slow turning planet where you can outrun the sunrise. Along with the blistering heat it brings. This is the new frontier of space, where humanity’s insatiable need for energy is being fueled by Mercury. It’s a tough environment and it attracts a rough crowd. So Luiza is bringing her own heat as a cop on Mercury, since she’s just a bit too intense to be one on Earth. This special issue features the first chapter of this ongoing saga, a special introduction to the World of Mercury Heat, and a look at the ships, designs, and making of this epic. The future is here with this primer and first chapter of 2015’s biggest sci-fi title!

This comic book delivers an intriguing foray into a futuristic world. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for a sci-fi adventure filled with action and moral complexity.

The story in this comic book revolves around Luiza Bora, a determined and skilled investigator working on the planet Mercury. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that merges elements of crime drama with science fiction, exploring themes of identity and autonomy in a technologically advanced society. The plot is engaging, with a focus on Luiza’s tenacity and the challenges she faces in a harsh, unforgiving environment.

The writing in this comic book effectively captures Luiza’s character, portraying her as a tough, no-nonsense protagonist with a strong moral compass. Her internal struggles and determination are well-conveyed through sharp dialogue and dynamic interactions. However, while Luiza is compelling, this comic book would have benefited from deeper exploration of the supporting characters and world-building to fully immerse me personally in the Mercury Heat universe.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a standout feature of this comic book, because it is bringing the harsh and alien landscape of Mercury to life with detailed and atmospheric illustrations. The art in this comic book captures the intensity and energy of the action sequences, while also conveying the isolation and desolation of the planet. In a way the artwork in this comic book has the ability to depict emotion through expressive character designs enhances the storytelling, making each scene visually impactful.

The pacing of this comic book is generally well-managed, maintaining a balance between action and character development. The narrative flows smoothly, which has kept me personally engaged and invested in Luiza’s journey. The creators of this comic book effectively introduces key plot elements and character dynamics, ensuring that the story remains accessible and intriguing for both new readers and longtime fans of the sci-fi genre.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its exploration of themes such as autonomy, justice, and the impact of technological advancements on society. The creators of this comic book weaves these themes into the narrative seamlessly, providing depth without overshadowing the action. The story in this comic book challenges us as readers to consider the complexities of law enforcement in a future where technology and humanity intersect, adding layers of meaning to the unfolding drama.

Despite its strengths, this comic book had left me at times wanting more immediate development of the broader world and its societal dynamics. However, the engaging premise and strong character work promise further exploration and development in future comic books in this series.

I Give This Book 3 / 5