Serenity # 1
Writer: Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews; Pencils and Inks: Will Conrad
Usually comic book lead-ins to movies are garbage. They either spoil the movie or are so poorly written as to be pointless. Thankfully, Joss Whedon spared readers from that disappointment.
The entire issue felt like a portion of an episode, maybe just the cold open and the early bits before the second or third commercial. The movement was very quick, a little to quick at points. The story’s speed likely results from the length of time since we last saw our favorite characters in action. The first issue required every character, from a fairly large cast, to all appear within one short issue. While the hurried story is annoying, it is forgivable. The next few issues will likely move at a more reasonable pace.
The art is decent enough, and the characterization is perfect. The words spring from the page as if the actors had spoken them. The Serenity mini-series looks like it will be an enjoyable read and contribute well to the movie. Pick it up while you can.