The book deals with a team of archeologists who work for an organization called Planetary. Within each issue, they try to solve impossible mysteries. Each of these characters have an interesting personality and past about them. Jakita Wagner, for instance, is the only female member of the team and has “the power to kick anything, even a rhino’s butt.” Then their is The Drummer, yes that is his name, who can talk to any machine or computer and won’t get denied and he’s pretty good at twirling drumsticks too. Next comes Elijah Snow, the third member of the team. He has plenty of historical experience to be an archeologist, considering he’s a hundred years old. The fourth and final member of the team, handles the paychecks and equips the rest of the crew with whatever the need. Adding to his mystique, no one knows his name or what he looks like. But, by far the most interesting character in the series, is a man who was introduced in issue one and has been shown occasionally throughout the panels. His name is Dr. Axel Brass and on the team’s first job together they found him in some sort of secret headquarters below the Adirondack Mountains. With the ability to close wounds with mind-power, stop the aging process in his body and eliminate his eating and sleeping habits he is someone to keep an eye on in each issue. He also has a secret that can make the comic branch out into many directions.
Oh, did I forget to mention, the good doctor resembles another famous physician from the comic book genre, none other than the man of bronze, Doc Savage.
The writing is some of Warren Ellis’ best. He keeps you interested throughout the issue, with his cinematic plots and dark humor. He brings realism to the fiction. Cassaday’s art I’m not too familiar with, but I did enjoy it. He reminds me of a cross between Geoff Darrow of HARD BOILED and Paul Chadwick of CONCRETE. The beautiful coloring, of Depuy fits with Cassaday’s rendering like a glove. The best all around issue is number three. Do yourself a favor, if you happen to be one of those who have to pick up the first issue to get hooked on a title, change your mind with this one. The story fits so well with the art, it leaves you feeling like you just watched a John Woo film with the screenplay, by Quentin Tarrantino. I hope this review, helps you keep an eye out for this book, you won’t be disappointed, with PLANETARY.