Past Secrets, Present Dangers — ‘Prodigy: Slaves Of Mars’ #1 Advance Review

Opening on a tense flashback to Edison Crane’s childhood, the reader is immediately thrust into a family revelation that is destined to shape the narration and direction of this new Prodigy series from writer Mark Millar and artist Stefano Landini. But, for this flashback to have any relevance, the titular prodigy of the book’s title needs to be put through a certain number of trials and tribulations. All chronicled in swift succession in this debut issue.

In a reality where you position yourself as the world’s smartest man, there are always going to be folks who consider themselves smarter and come out of the woodworks to claim their position as the world’s smartest man. A title not fought over the chess board but with violence, and carefully, cunning planning. And all while receiving some tragic personal news too.

Landini’s art is one that’s not over elaborate; a simple economy of line with an eye for the right emotive expressions to help relay Millar’s script and dialogue. And it’s the emotive responses in this issue that are integral to the success of this debut with a good deal of close ups, particularly focusing on a harangued Edison Crane. His responses to the rapidly growing personal crisis he is suddenly facing is what fuels this fast-paced story, A crisis that leads him to turn to the one person left he can turn to. And when you’ve read the issue and the flashback opening it you don’t need to be a Prodigy-level genius to work out who that was always going to be. But, it certainly sets up what should be a great series and, dare I say it, a great buddy-buddy/Odd Couple dynamic between Edison and the person who represents his last hope.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #1 is out on Wednesday 7th August from Dark Horse Comics