-Theories & Thought Bubbles-
Five kids and their instructor wander through the woods, learning everything they can about the beasts and trees they encounter. They are called Lookouts, they protect their village and its people from all the evils of the world. But these kids are still in training, their instructor – a Lookout veteran with an eye-patch named Samson – assigns them tasks to earn badges of honor. It’s boy scouts meets Dungeons & Dragons.
The creative team behind this comic is Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, the team that brought us Penny Arcade. In the past, these two have been able to express aspects of geek culture through their webcomics, and this new story is no different.
Lookouts is written by Ben McCool, but it’s really a collaborative effort between Mike, Jerry, and Cory Jones. These four guys bring the reader into the middle of a world filled with magic, excitement, heroes and monsters. The comic is presented from the perspective of the Lookouts-in-training. The kids are inquisitive, headstrong, and eager. Luckily Samson is there to keep a watchful eye, and although this comic lacks a serious action sequence, it’s clear that the adventures are just beginning.
The art is extremely indicative of Penny Arcade. Penciller Robb Mommaerts, utilizes the same style that we’ve come to appreciate from the webcomics. Within this new fantasy realm, the characters and creatures have very animated expressions and cartoony figures. The backgrounds and environments are just what you’d expect from something produced by this team.
Lookouts #1 is an excellent comic for children, I would recommend it to anyone looking to get their kids to read something. Within one of the five children, the reader can identify with different aspects of the group. Book-smart boy, bloodthirsty boy, timid and nervous boy. And the Samson character reminds me of most mentors and teachers we’ve seen throughout other fantasy and science fiction. The story will be split up into six-issue arcs and each will end with the presentation of a new badge for the Lookouts-in-training. Can’t wait to see where this first arc takes the kids.
Josh Nelson
Chronicler to the Gods and Messenger of Fate
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Monday – 230pm – 6pm – Pathfinder
Wednesday – 5pm & 6pm – D&D Encounters
Thursday – 530pm – 8pm - Magic the Gathering – Casual
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