Written by Joss Whedon & Brett Matthews
Art by Will Conrad; Michelle Madsen; & Michael Heisler
Cover Art by Adam Hughes
SUMMARY:
Published by Dark Horse Comics for March 2008, the lead-off of this three-part mini-series is untitled. Chased away from a museum heist, the Serenity’s crew ingeniously absconds with a state-of-the-art, tank-like jet pursuing them. Incensed that his jet prototype has been swiped, the manufacturer suspects that mercenary Mal Reynolds engineered the theft. Making love, Inara and Ephraim’s tryst may prove deadly. Given a tip, the Serenity crew sets out after a hidden cache of illicit loot that their underworld buyer wants to trade for the prototype.
REVIEW:
Citing Adam Hughes’ spot-on cover art as an example, this comic’s imagery is ideal for Serenity fans. The interior artwork, in particular, accurately captures the likenesses of actors Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres. Hence, the roguish Mal Reynolds makes a terrific amalgam of Han Solo and Indiana Jones in this issue. However, the fun storyline devised by series creator Joss Whedon & Brett Matthews clearly requires some prior familiarity with the various who’s, why’s, and where’s of Serenity. Still, Better Days # 1 is a blast to read, especially with some archaeological thievery thrown in for good measure.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The inside cover gives a brief overview of the Serenity saga. The single-page “Horsepower” column hypes Dark Horse’s adaptation of Disney’s Gremlins, originally written by author Roald Dahl. The two-page “Transmissions from the Cortex” letters-and-answers column pertains to the Serenity: Those Left Behind mini-series.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
