Inspired by the ancient Greek myth of Hercules, Nullhunter is the type of story that can only be told be someone who loves stories. The craft of mythmaking clearly matters to Michael Walsh and Gustaffo Vargas, and that comes through in every panel of this first issue.
As I mentioned on a recent episode of the AIPT Comics Podcast (with Michael Walsh as our special guest), I was a bit obsessed with Greek mythology when I was younger, with the Twelve Labors of Hercules being a particular favorite. As you might have guessed, I also love a good space opera, especially one that builds out a sprawling universe to contain its action. Nullhunter offers all of that and more, spinning a retelling of the Twelve Labors in a massive sci-fi setting that recalls the highs of Dune, Star Wars, and even a dash of Brazil for good measure.
With this first issue, Michael Walsh and Gustaffo Vargas give us an incredible introduction to this far-flung future, setting up characters like Clay and his father Zays and getting this violent revenge story in motion, yet still leaving plenty of breadcrumbs and mysteries on the table related to the OLYMP0S corporation and the true nature of Clay’s tragic attack that kicks off the issue.
Image Comics
Gustaffo Vargas’ colorful artwork brings everything to vivid life, making every new world and setting we see feel familiar and alien at once. The book does a remarkable job of showing off futuristic tech that still has a discernible purpose and function, rarely leaving the reader to wonder “what the heck was that about?” Even a sequence in which Clay’s bionics are forcibly removed and then upgraded feels grounded, in that the pain in Clay’s face is palpable. But don’t worry; there’s till plenty of heightened comic book action here, though it still feels like it’s in service of character work. The battle against a cybernetic take on the Nemean Lion that takes center stage in this book leads to Clay becoming a gnarled mess, and you’re not entirely certain whether he wants to finish his quest at this point in the story. Vargas whips up some incredible facial expressions for Clay, bringing us along for every moment of angst and self-doubt as he does the terrible things he has to do.
The dialogue is filled with exposition, but delivered in the midst of action. This issue has to do a lot of heavy lifting to propel the narrative forward, but it doesn’t feel sweaty in the slightest. You’ll also definitely want to check out the back matter in the book, which sheds a bit more light on OLYMP0S and the galaxy caught in its orbit.
Nullhunter a book stuffed to the gills with ideas and wild imagery — the battle sequences alone will draw your eyes to multiple spots at once, there’s just so much to take in — and that will no doubt make you curious to give it a second read. And in that way, it really feels like a myth in the making. One issue in (and, I have to admit, I’ve gotten to read the next two excellent issues as well), and I have a feeling this is a story I’ll revisit quite a bit in the future.
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