Image Comics Freezes Time With Series “STANDSTILL” This August! (REVIEW)

Image: Image Comics

While Marvel and DC continue to one-up each other in comics, film, and everywhere else, Image Comics is once again releasing fun, original alternative comics.  Adding to the ranks of “Rat Queens,” “Saga,” and “Die” is their new series, “Standstill.”  We got a look at the first issue, and while it’s too early to tell if it’s worthy of the Image canon, it shows promise.

Ryker Ruel is a dashing, guileless rogue with a flair for the dramatic, and the ability to freeze time.  He’s first introduced doling out revenge to a group of angry bikers, and robbing a bank on a whim to help a downtrodden waitress.  How he has this power hasn’t been fully revealed, but it’s a nice sampling of his future exploits.  Before long, it’s revealed that the Pentagon hot on his trail, as he’s expected to wreak havoc worldwide. Imagine Mark Millar’s “Nemesis” if the character was modeled after The Flash instead of Batman.  But he’s much less of a prick.

The press release describes Ruel as a “Lorne Malvo” or “Leland Gaunt”-type character.  It’s too early to tell, but he’s fun to follow.  Writer and Colorist Lee Loughridge knows how to write a scene, but ultimately this issue feels like a collection of them more than a full narrative.  Of course, it’s just the first issue, and Ruel is compelling, but I couldn’t tell you the names of the supporting characters. Loughridge and Artist Andrew Robinson have started off on a good foot, but it’s too soon to tell.  It’s enough to make me curious about where future issues will take us, but isn’t that enough?

 “Standstill #1” is on sale Wednesday August 21 where comics are sold.

Image: Image Comics

Looks like another winner for Image, who’ve been on a hot streak lately.  Standstill #1 is on sale Wednesday August 21 where comics are sold.

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