Advance Review: ‘Space Scouts’ Are Questionable Heroes

Artist and letterer David Rubín and color flattener Xulia Pisón are responsible for the creation of most of the visuals. The only thing they don’t make visually is the title emblem by writer and logo designer Matt Kindt. Concerning the character and item designs, Rubín conceives certain ones that are rather cute. Thus, those looking for a comic book narrative with a certain amount of light-heartedness when it comes to the visuals should find something to enjoy about this collection. Yet, Rubín still makes a lot of the dystopian science fiction elements and characters otherworldly and appropriately grim. Possibly the most interesting of the visuals are the ones involving the technology, particularly the differing point-of-view panels. When it comes to the hues, Rubin and Pisón display an understanding of color theory when selecting and applying the color palettes

One of the fonts that Rubín uses appears rather unique, but not in a wholly original way. Nevertheless, it and the other fonts see fine placement and are easy to read.

The concept of Space Scouts is essentially a dystopian, but still hopeful tale about analogues to DC’s the Legion of Super-Heroes (Legion of Super-Heroes #1 [1984]). Arguably, this is mostly a springboard to do a science fiction story that is critiquing various things, ranging from reality game shows to the ultra-wealthy. Kindt creates a script for each of the three issues in this collection that allows for this commentary while not bogging down the protagonist’s journey. Though there are still some bumpy bits of exposition, with most occurring in the second issue. He also writes a lot of the characters in a way that is relatable while having Rubín take care of the alien aspects. Overall, the story is engaging, yet whether or not the ending is truly satisfying is a question for each reader to decide.

Space Scouts sees release from Dark Horse and Flux House in bookstores on June 9th and comic shops on June 10th.