REVIEW: ‘The Weatherman,’ Vol. 1

The sun is high, the sky is blue. The clouds are light, and it’s a beautiful day on Mars. So why does everyone want to kill the weatherman? Let’s take a look at Image Comics‘ The Weatherman Vol 1, written by Jody Leheup, illustrated by Nathan Fox with colors by Dave Stewart and lettering by Steve Wands.

Mars, 2077. Nathan Bright has one hell of a life. Half meteorologist, half shock jock, Nathan’s the number one weather forecaster on terraformed Mars. He’s got the best dog you could ask for and a date with a gorgeous redhead named Amanda. He cruises through life with smiles and jokes, winning over everyone he meets. Yup, Nathan’s life rocks, right up until the day his date arrests him for destroying the Earth.

Seven years ago, the third planet from the sun was attacked by a terrorist organization known as “Sword of God”. Using cutting edge weaponry, the Sword of God wiped out all life on the planet in one fell swoop. And now everyone in the solar seems to think that Nathan Bright is behind it all.

For a book full of global genocide and late-stage capitalism, The Weatherman Vol 1 is one hell of a good time. It distills the best elements of your favorite sci-fi storylines and blends them with a hearty dose of twisted humor. The stakes in this book are astronomically high, but that doesn’t stop Nathan from being a complete goof in every situation.

But sometimes you need a goof, especially when the enemy keeps leaving anvils lying around. The Weatherman Vol 1 channels the manic energy of classic loony tunes with some fantastically absurd supporting characters. Sure, we may have seen a goofball and a hardass work together before. But has any comic come up with space bounty hunters, deranged capitalists, and Weathermen who just won’t shut up.

Thanks to the dynamic linework from Fox and bold coloring from Stewart, The Weatherman vol 1 has a grittiness that perfectly matches its twisted subject matter. Mars is a world brimming with color and texture. The scratchy sketchiness of Fox’s lines only amplifies its vitality.

One of my favorite elements in The Weatherman has got to be Mars. For the past few years, the comic landscape has been swarmed with post-apocalyptic dystopias. Whether it’s zombie-filled wastelands or climate ravaged hell holes, we’ve had more than our fair share of humanity’s Bad Endings. If I had a dollar for every rotten grey world in comics, I’d have enough money for a one-way ticket to Mars.

For all of its economic and political dysfunction, The Weatherman‘s Mars has a pulse. It’s a teaming techtropolis full of bright lights, loud people, and huge buildings. It’s also got the sort of mixed drinks that’ll send you to the hospital, but that’s more of an acquired taste.

The world of Mars is undeniably alive, which makes keeping it that way all the more pressing. It’s one of the first sci-fi worlds I’ve read in a while that I’d actually want to save, which is a welcome change of pace.

Today’s forecast calls for sunny days, breezy nights and for you to check out The Weatherman vol 1 as soon as you can!