Lobo is one of those characters that’s so loud, it’s hard not to respect the audacity of them, which is probably why it’s part of DC’s first three “Next Level” titles to launch. While he’s had his fair share of series, there’s usually a long drought between them, but now, armed with Jorge Corona on art and Skottie Young on writing, could there be a better time for outrageously over-the-top violence and personality? Given the state of the world, I’d argue no.
Lobo #1 is, without a doubt, some of the most fun you’ll have reading a comic all year. That’s right, I’m calling it, and it’s only March 18th. The intro not only aptly reminds us of the character’s backstory but also makes healthy metatextual jokes about antiheroes, the dangers of monopolies, and the vapidity of reality TV. It’s loud, proud, and in your face about it all, especially brave given Warner Bros. is in the process of being sold off.
The story opens like most Lobo tales, with Lobo arriving at a seedy space bar on his obnoxious yet rad space hog. The bike is dinged up, with a massive alien skull on its front and spewing flames, so you know it’s somehow bad for the space environment. After dealing with a no-parking sign in the way only Lobo could, Lobo enters an incredibly chaotic and colorful bar, the Chug ‘n Slug.
This is where the issue really shines, showing us a side of the DC Comics space we don’t often see. Gone are the pristine palaces, well-to-do aliens, and here we find colorful and crazy aliens like you’d find bugs under a rock. Corona outdoes himself with these alien creatures, from a monkey-looking alien with wings wearing a diaper to a bartender with odd, bubbly growths all over their neck and head and bulging eyes. Fluids are flying all about, and Corona makes you shiver with the grotesque and yet somehow endearing weirdness of it all. It’s not often I say such a thing, but Corona may have been born to draw alien mayhem and debauchery.
Think that hurts?
Credit: DC Comics
The main plot seems simple enough, but has a way of commenting on various elements. The start is quite simple and easy to get a reader going, with a more complex one by the end of the issue. Lobo is on a job to kill someone at the bar, but before he can snuff them out, the deal is canceled. This forces him to get his money from management, which happens to be the Omni Mega+ Entertainment Corp headquarters. It seems his bounty bosses were bought out by a big corporation that is likely far more evil than any mom-and-pop bounty company ever would be.
Juxtaposed with the seedy bar types, Corona draws the creatures on Omni Mega+ Entertainment Corp in a way that signals they are creepier, evil, but also willing to trick you and stab you in the front. The design of these aliens is unnerving: only a mouth is visible, and from the nose up, their head is a massive ball of wires and monitors. Think the Mouth of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings, only a combo of technology and greed.
At the end of the day, this is a story about Lobo trying to live his life, and when offered the opportunity to sell out, he’s the best man for the job. One can see that Young is going to lean into Lobo’s worst instincts, and it’ll be fun to see how they play off corporate greed. At the same time, Corona is delivering incredibly detailed pages, with Lobo looking hulking and outlandishly huge at times, leaning into the excess. This book isn’t ashamed to be loud, proud, and absolutely larger than life, making it a unique addition to your buy pile.
Lobo #1 understands exactly what makes the character work. It leans into absurd violence, grotesque alien chaos, and biting satire with complete confidence. Young writes Lobo with the perfect mix of swagger and scumbag charm, while Corona fills every page with wildly inventive alien designs and kinetic energy. The result is a comic that feels alive with attitude and imagination. It is not just about bringing Lobo back, it is about reminding readers why the character became iconic in the first place. Loud, grotesque, and packed with personality, this debut feels like a statement that DC’s Next Level line is ready to swing big.
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