Today’s Comic: Buck Rogers #8

Buck Rogers #8

Dynamite Entertainment (2010)

WRITER: Scott Beatty

ARTIST: Carlos Rafael

COLORIST: Carlos Lopez

LETTERER: Simon Bowland

COVER “B” ART: John Watson

(cover “a” shown)

Trapped by the “underworlders”, Buck, Dr. Huer, and Buddy learn they plan to create the nuclear winter their ancestors were convinced had already taken place. This way they can return to the surface, since they have evolved to exist in their underground world. Thanks to some quick thinking by Buck, the trio is able to escape and defeat their plans. However, trouble may now be coming from the other direction, as the Sky City residents are preparing to make a takeover of their own, and their leader wants Wilma as his queen.

What they got right: Beatty continues to write a great Buck Rogers. (Like the “chud” reference, even though I’m no fan of the movie, with Buddy not getting it.) Following a threat from beneath the earth with one from up in the sky is an interesting transition. The art is as good as ever.

What they got wrong: John Watson’s “B” cover. It’s pretty much a retake of the “A” cover by regular comic artist Carlos Rafael, and not as good, in my opinion.

Recommendation: Get on board this comic as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed.

One thing you might be disappointed about is no “Best Scene” nominee. This is one of those situations where everything was too good to choose one over the other. Sometimes near perfection can be a burden, too.