Billions of years ago, there was a cosmic explosion and with it came creation and the concept of life (according to this comic. I don’t want to get into an existentialism argument with anyone). This Big Bang created life as we know it, but there was another explosion that eliminated it and it was this destruction that bore a single being. This explosion is dubbed the Bigger Bang and it brought the figure Cosmo to the universe. Is this the start to a unique and thought provoking four part series? Is it good?
The Bigger Bang #1 (IDW Publishing)
We’ve seen it before: an omnipotent force with mysterious metaphysical origin donning a caped spandex costume. However, what makes this story unique is that his life brought about the end of entire galaxies which brings about the intriguing question of Cosmo’s purpose, something he too is seeking. Before the story goes into depth about his origin, the issue begins with Cosmo and a brief display of heroics for a small alien civilization. It’s this heroism that draws the attention of tyrant-ruler King Thulu, who later dispatches a fleet to investigate and destroy this being. It’s not much of a spoiler to say that Cosmo is obviously a mere three quarters into the first issue, however there is the introduction of a Captain Wyan who will presumably play the role of a love interest.
At the comic’s core, it has a true allure: a seemingly almighty being attempting to atone for his lone sin of coming into existence. This concept paired with the scientific anomaly in the title has the potential to delve into some pretty deep and thought-provoking material. My problem with the comic comes with the medium which it’s being expressed. When I first received the issue, my friend David told me that the art was “very scratchy scratchy.” Since then I have not been able to come up with a better term than that, because that’s really what it is. Gogtzilas’ style is an acquired taste, a taste that I didn’t…acquire. There are some panels where the faces are detailed and really well shadowed and I enjoyed those. However, the majority of the book looks like a fourth grader got some colored pencils, drew some characters, and then gave it to their younger sibling who scribbled all over it. I recognize that’s a little harsh and some people may enjoy this style of art and Gogtzilas may be considered an excellent artist, but then again so was Jackson Pollock.
Other concerns I had are how rushed and forced Capt. Wyan’s backstory was. If she’s going to be a main character going forward then she deserves a more natural integration into the storyline rather than her life quickly spelled out into a couple blue text boxes. Also the space whale contributed to the juvenile tone and seemed very odd, especially when it spoke in a German accent. The art and inclusion of aspects like the space whale make it seem like it’s directed at a different audience, yet it boasts a deeper, incongruous message.
Is It Good?
Initially, I’m not sold on The Bigger Bang, but I recognize its potential. It has a compelling plot and is set to a unique style of artwork. I’ll be picking up the next issue hoping a larger sample size will clear up the exact nature of the comic and whether it’s a superficial, fun read or if there’s more to it.
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