There are a lot of comics out there, but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week, we’re spotlighting “Monarch” by Rodney Barnes. This story is worth your time because it’s able to pull together the intimate drama of growing up with the epic drama of an all out alien invasion, all while managing to be funny and pithy at the same time.
Who’s this by?
The name that’s drawing readers to “Monarch” is probably Rodney Barnes, whose arguably most notable recent work is Killadelphia. He’s also had a hand in a number of other titles, such as “Falcon” for Marvel Comics, “Lando: Double or Nothing,” a limited series featuring the character Lando Calrissian from the Star Wars franchise, some Mandalorian comics, and much much more. He’s also worked on TV, and his cornerstone work might be “The Boondocks,” which middle-millennials remember from late nights on Adult Swim. He’s also written for shows such as “American Gods,” “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” and “Marvel’s Runaways.” While his credits are abundant, his style is singularly recognizable: quippy, culturally relevant, fun, and intelligent. If you’re reading a Barnes comic, you’re having a good time and reveling in the sardonic. Don’t worry, you get to do some of that in “Monarch” as well. Alex Lins handles the art (more on that later), whose upcoming comics include “Hellcat” and “New Mutants.” Luis NCT on colors and Marshall Dillon on letters bring up the rear, but their work is no less important.
So, what’s this all about?
Monarch takes place in Compton, Los Angeles, and in many ways is familiar to the Compton found in American lore at large: it’s vibey, violent, culturally important while also perceived as a backwater or no-man’s land by the pearl clutching, white elites. Or so things seem at first. Anyways, this story follows Travon, a bright student with a bright future. He’s been adopted from foster care, but his new family is proud of him, loving, and supportive. He’s also got a girlfriend, whom he adores. He also has a bully named Zion, who he despises, and who despises Travon to an unsettling degree. Life is beautiful, but life is hard. Such are the throes of growing up in a complex place under complex circumstances. The kicker, of course, is that in “Monarch” Compton is being invaded by aliens. What they want is unclear, and why their blasting through Compton and ruining Travon’s life specifically is even less clear. Travon and the entire community find themselves caught in the global (nay, galactic?) upheaval. Worlds collide and things certainly hit the fan.
So, why should I read this?
You should read this if you’re into fun, subversive alien invasion stories. Think “Attack the Block” but on a global level. You should also read this story if you’re into action packed, violent, somewhat crude yet sophisticated stories, kind of like “The Boondocks.” Okay, those are the simple reasons for enjoying “Monarch.” But there’s a whole lot more. To start, the story really develops out after the first issue, and disparate facets of the “Monarch” start to come together in exciting, satisfying ways. As always, Barnes’ writing carries. Some may find the gore and intensity of “Monarch” a little off putting, but if you know what you’ve signed up for, that shouldn’t be a problem. Lins’ art also really makes the story worth reading. The color palette pops in this one, and them mix between minimalist, impressionist scenes and absolute mayhem make for a satisfying juxtaposition. Finally, the story itself just manages to work. We’re a sucker for stories that work on a macro and micro scale, and “Monarch” absolutely is one of those stories. We get the human, intimate story of Travon and his cohort of peers and family, plus the huger, alien invasion story. The two intersect in both expected and unexpected ways, which to us is a lot of fun. Check this one out and let us know what you think.
How can I read this?
“Monarch” #4 can be found anywhere comics are found on May 10, 2023.
