Author: Kevin Michael Roberts
Red Line Comics
November 2024
Overview
Heavy Metal Queen is a sci-fi space action thriller written and illustrated by Kevin Michael Roberts, and follows the life of scientist and innovator Mercury Regina Jones, most commonly referred to as “Big Mama.” The book is a well-crafted blend of a sci-fi space opera, with sprinkles of inspiration from sources such as Super Sentai and Japanese anime. It offers a well-paced and intriguing character study of our protagonist, alongside a heartfelt introspection into her journey.
New Beginnings:
The book opens by establishing the vast lore of its universe, providing a solid foundation for readers to sink their teeth into while foreshadowing overarching themes that will be explored later. This motif is further reinforced through the use of cold colours interlaced with heavy shadows, emphasizing the vast emptiness of space. This stark setting is beautifully juxtaposed with Mercury’s introduction—a warm sunrise that serves as a visual palate cleanser before the striking and dynamic showcase of our lead. This contrast becomes a recurring theme throughout the series.
Mercury has a charismatic and strong-willed personality. She is stern when giving commands yet warm and gentle when needed. This duality is further reinforced by the affectionate nickname given to her by her associates, “Big Mama,” setting the foundation for her character arc.
The supporting cast:
We are also introduced to two important supporting characters who serve as foils to Mercury. The first is T.I.M.A., a helper bot that lightens the tone with much-appreciated comic relief. Their personality is a joy to witness and offers further insight into Mercury’s true nature. The second is Captain Victor Holt, the operation’s ace pilot, who acts as a counterbalance to Mercury’s strictness. He also serves as her love interest, adding a personal dynamic to their professional relationship.
The core of the issue:
The central focus of this issue is the unveiling of Mercury’s latest and most pivotal invention: the Abaddon Battle Rig, a technological marvel that promises to give them a much-needed advantage in the galactic war looming in the background. Anticipation is at an all-time high as Victor prepares for its debut.
However, the celebration is cut short by an ambush from the Sisters of Fate, a group of elite pilots who may serve as the primary antagonists of the series. What follows is a brilliantly choreographed battle sequence, accentuated by striking, doom-laden reds that heighten the sense of dread and hopelessness. The conflict reaches its climax when Mercury is forced to confront her trauma, anxiety, and the imminent danger before her. The moment culminates in a breathtaking single-panel depiction of her combat rig, hovering majestically against the sky.
Thoughts and Reviews:
Heavy Metal Queen is an exciting, thrilling, and beautifully illustrated work of art. It commits to building a larger narrative through its world while using character development as the main driving force. The series has immense potential and certainly earns my recommendation.
Cons and Potential Improvements:
- The pacing of the comic feels a bit slow at times, often exacerbated by verbose dialogue.
- It walks a fine line between rich world-building and excessive exposition, at points occasionally feeling like an information dump.
- While visually stunning and ambitious in its artistic direction, some panels feel overly cluttered. The excessive use of thematic lighting and unnecessary secondary effects often results in muddled compositions, ironically leaving little room for the artist’s hard work to shine.
Final Score: 8.9/10
[Editor’s note: this title is available from Amazon – Heavy Metal Queen #1: Roberts, Kevin Michael: 9798300597757: Amazon.com: Books ]