REVIEW: ‘Project: Patron’ Issue #1

Project Patron #1 is published by AfterShock Comics, written by Steve Orlando, art by Patrick Piazzalunga, colors by Carlos Lopez, and letters by Thomas Mauer. The Patron has been the earth’s mightiest hero for decades, but the problem is, he died 30 years ago. Days after his funeral, the Patron burst from the ground and has been protecting Earth ever since. The resurrected entity was a reploid, a robotic suit that is remotely piloted by a small team of scientists.

Where this story develops interest, however, is within the bowels of the team that pilots the most powerful being in the world. To humanity, the Patron can overcome any obstacle put in front of him. Whether it be a challenge of strength, of endurance, or intelligence, there is nothing this hero can not vanquish. Nadia Ketz covers the scientific missions, Davin Deir is the muscle and handles the brawls, Lena Yvonne is the second in command, and Commander Conrad Kone is the most experienced, and therefore the spine of the entire operation.

They are recently joined by Moro Ignatz, the narrator of the issue and team Patron’s latest recruit. Together, this team pilots the most sophisticated weapon on the planet to protect the human race and inspire them to do more as a symbol of hope and justice. This team is about to face their biggest mission yet when a crime is committed right in their own backyard, and the secret of the Patron is threatened.

Orlando threads together the world-building of this issue effortlessly, and by establishing the players, the surroundings, and the stakes, it allows the ending of the story to really land with some emphasis. First issues for any authors are always challenging. However, Orlando has created a finish that only leaves you with a feeling of compulsion to keep reading, to know where this is heading.

The world has come to depend on the Patron, but for the past 30 years, it’s all been a giant fabrication. The most powerful hero’s weak spot is his team of fleshy human pilots. By changing that dynamic, Orlando creates a parallel of tension, of which will break first, the team, or the lie that the team is built on.

Piazzalunga’s art really works next to the story and dialogue from Orlando. By no means is it explosive, but the balance it strikes within the issue is just right. The art shows a level of restraint, where the simplicity is pleasant. Piazzalunga adds his quality to the characters’ facial features, especially when it comes to the Patron himself. The artist does a great job of having the hero mimic the pilot’s expression, adding a level of humanity in an otherwise lifeless shell.

The colors from Lopez also pair well with the art and serve to elevate it. The dulled tones create a sullen feeling as if foreshadowing that this house of cards is starting to sway.

Mauer’s letters do the intended job. The dialogue placement reads well and keeps the pace of the issue moving forward. The onomatopoeia design left a little to be desired.

A sidenote on something I don’t always mention, the cover art throws me off, and it’s strictly down to the coloring. The tan color from afar looks like the Patron is essentially standing in the nude, whereas within the issue itself, his suit is in white. It’s a petty distinction, but in a world where readers are faced with so many choices in comics to read, it seems like a glaring error that could put readers off.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this issue, and you can count me for checking out the next story. Orlando, as the character’s creator, has found a twist in the superheroes genre, and it’s bloody refreshing. The Patron is the beacon of light in a world that relies heavily upon him, and the bulb is about to go POP.

Project Patron #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.