Advance Review: Plants And Billionaires Shall Inherit The Earth In ‘The Twilight Zone’ #11
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
When an alien plant starts threatening the Earth, who are you going to trust — a couple of scientists, the military, or a billionaire? The conclusion is predictable, but it keeps in the spirit of the twisty-turny series.
Overall
8/10In today’s political climate, the moment you see a billionaire grace the pages of a comic book, you just know he’s going to be the bad guy.
His intentions may seem noble — in the case of The Twilight Zone #11, saving the world from an alien plant that seems bent on killing every animal on Earth — but it’s clear the dude can’t be trusted. Well, we know that. It’s just that none of the other characters in the story have figured it out. (They must not be up on current events.)
This issue of the anthology series doesn’t focus on billionaire Kevin Wizley (I mean, with that name, you just want to smack him, don’t you?). Instead it follows exobiologists Roger and Tine Holden, who are investigating the alien plant that crashes into New Mexico.
Written by Mark Russell, the story “Plant Kingdom” sees the vicious fern taking out whole human cities while withstanding everything that humanity can throw at it. Russell’s story isn’t much more complicated than that. He doesn’t have a lot of space, so he focused on the plant’s trail of destruction and how it’s resolved. I’ve already given away too much, but suffice it to say, the ending is very much in keeping with the spirit of The Twilight Zone.
While the story seems to be set in contemporary times, artist Victor Alpi gives Plant Kingdom a 1960s’ feel. The military officers trying to contain the plant look like they’re out of Doctor Strangelove or Fail Safe. And yes, Alpi gives Kevin a very punchable face, as well douchey long hair with a streak of white in it.
One interesting thing that Alpi has going for him here: while the series is typically presented in black and white, these next few issues have one spot color they can use. Not surprisingly, this issue features green.
“Plant Kingdom” largely telegraphs its ending but it’s still a fairly enjoyable read, despite the billionaire who is only in it for himself.
The Twilight Zone #11 — written by Mark Russell, illustrated by Victor Alpi, and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry — will be available on Wednesday in comic book stores and on digital platforms from IDW.