Escort #1 by Iggy Michniacki
Publisher: Project Nerd Publishing
Release Date: February 15, 2017
Synopsis: Audiences have been waiting for the follow up to Barrens, Project-Nerd Publishing’s first title to go to second print on two different covers, but the project came to a halt after Chapter One. With the creative team moving on to other projects, it left the door open for Esme Ford to return in a different capacity.
Set in the not too distant future, The Escort follows Esme Ford as she proves to be the best guide through the barrens as she transports goods and people between the few remaining fortified cities left in the world. Ford will open up a brand new mission with the debut issue of The Escort in January 2017.
The Escort is written by Esme Ford creator and Project-Nerd Publishing Founder, Iggy Michniacki, and will feature the pencils and inks of J.C. Grande (Johnny Monster, Necessary Evil) and colors from Esteban Salinas (Deviant Apple Studios). Erin Lei will return as Esme Ford for a cosplay cover variant of the first issue with Salinas also creating the series’ cover art. (description from Project Nerd Publishing)
Review: The story of Escort follows main protagonist, Esme Ford, a transporter of goods in a barren wasteland. Not too much is said about her character in the first issue, but based on her interactions with other people she is well-known and revered around the land. She’s sassy, resourceful and skilled in fighting, which makes her an interesting character. Her mysterious aura is key to drawing readers into the story.
As for the story’s setting, there are small glimpse of what the futuristic setting is like here and there, but there was not enough description for me. I would have enjoyed more of the world-building process and want to see more of the setting that Esme lives in.When looking at the artwork, I wished it had a smoother, more detailed look when it came to the characters and background settings. But I did love the variety of colors and textures used to give the characters definition and depth.
Overall, the first issue of Escort says enough to get readers attention, but raises a lot of questions about its main protagonist, secondary characters, and setting. I hope the next issues goes more into depth about the setting and Esme’s backstory.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
