Huge Detective #1
Review
Writer: Adam Rose
Artist: Magenta King
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: August 21, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Huge Detective #1 starts things off in a big way with an issue that introduces you to a peculiar world caught in the middle of a mysterious story. More than being a unique twist to the noir genre, this comic packs a big punch that will catch you by surprise.
Huge Detective #1
ReviewWriter: Adam Rose
Artist: Magenta King
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: August 21, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Huge Detective #1 starts things off in a big way with an issue that introduces you to a peculiar world caught in the middle of a mysterious story. More than being a unique twist to the noir genre, this comic packs a big punch that will catch you by surprise.
Great comic books come in all shapes and sizes, especially when you start looking around in the indies. Exploring different publishers is always such a joy because I never know what interesting new story I’ll stumble on next. That was exactly how I felt when I got the chance to read Huge Detective #1 by Adam Rose and Magenta King. Published by Titan Books, a London-based publisher I’ve had an eye on a lot lately, this comic took me by big surprise. With its peculiar premise, charming writing, and fantastic art, there’s plenty to enjoy here, especially if you’re a fan of detective dramas.
Interested in unraveling more about this comic’s mystery? Keep on reading for my full review of Huge Detective #1!
Overview of Huge Detective #1
A race of giants known as the Huge lives harmoniously with humans in peaceful co-existence. But a string of strange murders threatens to shatter the long-running peace treaty. That pushes Detective Tamaki to investigate the murders alongside her new Huge partner, Gyant. The Huge detective believes the case is connected to the disappearance of some of his fellow Huge. Together, they unravel a much bigger mystery than they could have imagined.
Image: Titan Books
Review
After reading the premise of Huge Detective, I knew right away that I had to give the comic book a shot. A story about a literal giant detective? That’s definitely not a twist on the noir genre I was expecting. But while being gigantic may sound counterintuitive for crime investigations, the comic does a fantastic job of taking that absurd idea and running with it. Huge Detective is fascinating in how it explores the nature of the Huge as part of the mystery narrative. So, more than Gyant simply being a giant-sized detective for the sake of doing something different, there’s plenty to uncover about him and the Huge that adds a unique layer to the story. There are even some scenes where you see Gyant on the field, complete with a stereotypical detective’s fedora. It’s odd-looking but works very well because of how the story is set up.
Going beyond the plot’s quirkiness, the character dynamics throughout Huge Detective stand out in this first issue. Detective Tamaki plays the “straight woman” in the odd pairing but with some dark aspects hinted about her background. She makes for a great contrast against Gyant’s surprisingly soft and charming personality. It’s refreshing how respectful their dynamic is with the way they don’t show any prejudice towards each other despite coming from vastly different backgrounds. With similar vibes to stories like The Iron Giant or The BFG, the relationship between Tamaki and Gyant is at the heart of this intriguing tale. I’m interested to see how writer Adam Rose grows their relationship as the story goes deeper into the mystery that ties the comic’s world together.
Image: Titan BooksSpeaking of world-building, artist Magenta King’s unique style brings plenty of charm to the comic’s visuals. Almost like Jeff Lemire’s artwork, there’s a grittiness to King’s linework that I find so fun to look at. The splotchy coloring style also helps give the scenes and environments a textured feel that I really enjoy. There are also plenty of distinct artistic touches when the story goes into flashback sequences, giving the comic plenty of visual diversity. While I came into this comic unfamiliar with King’s work, it didn’t take long for me to become a fan.
Image: Titan Books
Final Thoughts
Huge Detective #1 is a solid start to an intriguing new series with a big heart. The charming character dynamics and interesting world-building make the comic a joy to read. This first issue only scratches the story’s surface, setting up the right pieces to become something much bigger than it seems. I’m curious to see where the comic goes and how far it can push the idea of having a giant-sized detective solving crimes in a human-sized world. If you’re into detective noir stories, then this one is definitely a comic you should check out. It offers plenty of fresh twists to the genre that will keep you hooked throughout the adventure.
Why You Should Read Huge Detective
- Its unique premise makes for a fresh twist on the detective genre.
- The world-building has a unique charm that makes you want to learn more about it.
- Magenta King’s art is distinct and eye-catching.