DC Comics is finally leaning into the chaos we’ve been craving with the launch of Lobo #1. The timing couldn’t be better, especially with fans already buzzing about Jason Momoa’s upcoming debut as the Last Czarnian in Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Between the high-stakes DC Next Level initiative and the proven track record of Skottie Young and Jorge Corona for beautiful carnage, expectations were sky-high. Having finally read it, I can confirm this is a gore-soaked romp through the stars that reminds everyone exactly why Lobo is the ultimate Main Man.
What Happens in Lobo #1?
The issue kicks off at the Chug ‘N’ Slug space pub. It’s literally the best name you could give a bar in the far reaches of the galaxy. Lobo rolls up on his Spacehawg and immediately gets into a confrontation over a No Parking sign. It’s a classic setup. An alien guard tries to talk tough, and Lobo responds by ripping the alien’s arm out. He uses the limb to “edit” a typo he found on the sign, turning it into his own personal parking spot. It’s a kind of cruel, hilarious physical comedy but exactly what you expect from a Skottie Young script.
The plot thickens when Lobo tries to collect a bounty on an accountant named Whit Dusty. He finds out mid-confrontation that the bounty is canceled. The entire bounty hunter industry has been bought out by Omni Mega+ Entertainment Corp (O.O.E.C.). We learn that this media conglomerate is the largest in existence, and they’ve pivoted to controlling the anti-hero market. Instead of just killing people for credits, O.O.E.C. wants Lobo to be the star of a new, hyper-violent reality show. While I’m not 100% sold on this story idea, it’s actually a pretty clever meta-take on the whole anti-hero phenomenon and feels like a story only Lobo could tell.
Why is Lobo an Unreliable Narrator?
One of the highlights of the issue is a flashback to the planet Czarnia. Lobo recounts his origin story, claiming he was a devil born into a stupidly perfect world. He says he wiped out every living being on the planet in just a few days. He even claims he relieved himself in the planetary water supply to finish the job.
This origin story obviously has a lot of holes in it, but that’s the point. Lobo is a notoriously unreliable narrator who seasons his stories for flavor. He throws in references to killing Santy Claus, fighting Superman, and crushing on Wonder Woman. Whether he’s telling the truth or just trying to look tough in a bar, it’s a blast to read. I’m also glad DC isn’t trying to pretend the New 52 version of the character didn’t happen; they seem to be folding everything into this chaotic mix and I’m here for it.
Is the Art in Lobo #1 Good?
Jorge Corona is a rare talent, and it shows on every page of this book. His style is uniquely cartoonish, which balances the extreme violence with a sense of fun. The alien designs at the Chug ‘N’ Slug are varied and creative. That line about Lobo looking like a rejected KISS wannabe was hilarious. It makes you wonder how a space-faring reject knows what Gene Simmons looks like. Maybe Kiss is just intergalactically popular.
The visual humor extends to the background details as well. Everything in the pub has a “space” prefix: from space pool to space bathroom. It is so dumb, but genuinely funny. The barrel of Lobo’s gun even has “Look Here” engraved on it. Jean Francois Beaulieu handles the colors with a vibrant, neon palette that makes the blood splatters pop. The lettering by Nate Piekos deserves mention, as it flawlessly captures the aggressive, gravelly nature of Lobo’s voice.
Is Skottie Young’s Lobo #1 Worth Reading?
Overall, Lobo #1 is a chaotic and gorgeous return for the character. While the “reality TV star” angle isn’t the most revolutionary concept, it provides a solid foundation for the creative team to go wild. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen the Main Man front and center in the DCU, and we’re stoked for his return. If you want a comic that doesn’t take itself too seriously but delivers top-tier visuals and “bastich”-filled dialogue, this is the one for your pull list.
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Review: ‘Lobo’ #1 Skottie Young and Jorge Corona’s Reality TV Bloodbath
Lobo #1 is a chaotic and gorgeous return for the character. While the “reality TV star” angle isn’t the most revolutionary concept, it provides a solid foundation for the creative team to go wild. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen the Main Man front and center in the DCU, and we’re stoked for his return. If you want a comic that doesn’t take itself too seriously but delivers top-tier visuals and “bastich”-filled dialogue, this is the one for your pull list.
