3 out of 5

This is really a book I want to get on board with, especially since creator Barlow has dedicated himself to expanding the Zooniverse Universe, and it’s always nice to be invested in a project like that.

Yes, I picked it up in a dollar bin and yes, I’m starting in the middle of the story, but besides some wonderfully rich cartoonish art and Eclipse’s awesome 80s coloring, the issue is way too into its own lingo and logic to intrigue.  And I have to believe this style started with the first issue, meaning it’s going to appeal to a specific type: namely those who get into this type of world-building where you need an index.  I wish I could give you some context to the issue, but the whole thing is so wrapped up in itself that it’s near impossible.  Some main characters need to find something, and are hitching a ride to a place where someone evil has that something.  The details beyond that are nonsense terms and nonsense machinations that only have meaning with the Zooniverse.  It’s a bit more high-stakes / less loopy version of Beanworld, in that sense, as even world-building fantasy generally has some grounding that I didn’t read here.

Now all this being said, you can still follow the gist while reading, and I wasn’t turned off by the issue.  It looks great.  It feels fun.  I just wish it had grabbed me and made me want to read more.