This (kind of) standalone issue wraps up the first arc of “EGOs” – and I say “kind of” because it’s still dense, featuring a quirky cast and referencing an already pretty extensive backstory. But if grand sci-fi tales with an emotional dimension are your cup of tea, you’d do well to jump on at this juncture.
Written by Stuart Moore
Illustrated by Gus StormsSTANDALONE ISSUE! Three rookie EGOs members go on an unauthorized adventure through time and space. Plus: marital strife! Quantum physics! Inadvisable sex! And the origin of the Universe (maybe)!
It’s hard to pinpoint what this story has been about, because there’s been so much to it. It’s only been three issues, and already the Earth Galactic Operatives have such a fractured history. Disguised clones, eager new members, and of course the autocratic Deuce are all competing for the spotlight; it’s clear they all have hidden motivations, and plenty of stories left to tell.
What keeps it all anchored, though, is the estranged relationship between Pixel and Deuce. This issue does well to keep their dynamic front and center, even though the antics of the rookies take up more space. Both Moore and Storms nail the differences in personality that make these two characters so dangerous to each other, and it’s such a troubling situation that it’s hard to look away from. With this tension standing at the core of the Earth Galactic Operatives – and a new element putting even more stress on their continued interactions – this story is guaranteed some forward momentum.
The part of the issue that (ostensibly) stands on its own involves the new adventurers, and Storms’ delightful characterizations make the most of their dangerous excursion together. Sentient robot Godel Loop in particular has some great moments. Despite his lack of facial expression, his timid gestures say so much, belying his dry and precise dialogue. Plotwise, the flaws in his character are also on show; he’s easily manipulated into doing something inadvisable, because what sentient robot isn’t self-conscious about being a robot, right?
Meanwhile, Pigmentia and n-Brane are apt foils to one another, both visually and in terms of personality; and while n-Brane is pretty unlikeable at this point, the energy and mischievousness of her portrayal lend this issue some zing. Most remarkably, her swagger still leaves room for traces of vulnerability, with a close-up betraying just how helpless she is in this situation.
It’s this predicament that forms the visual focal point of the issue; snakes coming out of the sky will never not be cool, and the sense of slimy menace that Storms evokes makes this one terrifying encounter. Also, some kudos to colorist John Rauch are in order; on top of all the candy-coloured shades that grace this issue, making the rift in the universe purple plaid instead of black is an admirable choice.
Unfortunately, the juiciest plot point that comes along is one that’s inaccessible to a new reader, and it’s at this point that our ostensible narrator, Pixel and Deuce’s son, pops in to do some explaining. He’s a cynical focalizing voice, and about as novel an angle as any to capture this story with, but he’s generally absent from this issue, and this intrusion feels a bit artificial. Alongside his parents’ problems, though, the mystery surrounding this guy should provide a nice hook into issues to come.
With its dense plotting, visual exuberance, and emotional weight, this issue offers a nice encapsulation of what “EGOs” has been so far. There’s no telling how much more of this series we’ll be getting, but if the meatiness of this issue is any indication, “EGOs” should be worth keeping an eye on.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy
