I’m one of those comic book guys that loves to always check out what Image has to offer.  Ever since I started buying their comics when I was 11 in the 90’s, I’ve always appreciated their approach to the comic craft.  Obviously, since the 90’s, a lot at Image has changed, but my love affair with trying out their diverse line of books has not.  I remember when I first read about Infinite Horizon I thought it was a great idea.  I remember the pitch saying something like, “It’s The Odyssey set in modern times,” which immediately grabbed me.  And I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it was mostly to see if my 11th grade English teacher proclaimed that The Odysseey was timeless and as relevant today as it was when it was first performed.

What I’ve found with this issue, and with this series as a whole, is that the tale that Homer spun so long ago does in fact play well with modern themes.  I’ve really enjoyed watching the metaphors of yesteryear translate so perfectly for the situations that we deal with today, and to see the ways in which these characters are dealing with the events is even more fun.  As the cover to the issue would indicate, this issue features the battle with the mighty Cyclops.  Now, this could have been done with a gimmicky trick by the writer, but instead, he infused modern technology and the general distrust between the powers of the globe to create a villain that you wished you could see more of.  He was strong, powerful, and maniacal, which are the perfect ingredients to making a great villain.

The tone of the book is very dark, as I’m sure the original opus seemed to the audiences of yore, but that’s what makes it wonderful.  At some point, I’m sure, we’re going to get this cathartic release, some moment that’s going to take the book to a better place.  But for now, our characters are fighting and struggling to survive in a world that they just can’t quite understand.  And it’s great.

I remember first seeing Phil Noto in the pages of Jonah Hex, and thinking, “Man, this guy is awesome.”  With this book, that sentiment continues as his art is a truly amazing fit to this dark, nihilistic world.  His lines are clear and sparse, but that’s kind of the point.  It’s to show just how desolate of a situation these characters are in.  It’s just beautiful.

It sounds hackneyed to say this, but I think this will make a great trade when they finally finish it out.  If you have the chance, pick up the back issues and give it a whirl.  You might be surprised just how much you’ll enjoy this modern take on required summer reading that you never read in high school.