Nullhunter #1
Review
Writer: Michael Walsh
Artist: Gustaffo Vargas
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Nullhunter #1 blasts you straight into its cyberpunk reimagining of the Labors of Hercules. Fans of the cyberpunk genre will love this comic's mix is stylish visuals and intriguing mythology.
Nullhunter #1
ReviewWriter: Michael Walsh
Artist: Gustaffo Vargas
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Nullhunter #1 blasts you straight into its cyberpunk reimagining of the Labors of Hercules. Fans of the cyberpunk genre will love this comic's mix is stylish visuals and intriguing mythology.
Michael Walsh is quickly becoming a comic book creator to keep an eye on. With his fantastic Frankenstein comic from Skybound, Walsh is having one hell of a year and showing no signs of slowing down. His new series Nullhunter, with artist Gustaffo Vargas, takes to the stars and marks a big departure from his usual horror fare. Billed as a "kinetic cyberpunk retelling of the Labors of Hercules," I was sold on the premise from that line alone. Greek mythology infused into a stylishly brutal cyberpunk world? Sign me up right away!
So, how does the first issue hold up to all the hype? Let’s dive into my review of Nullhunter #1 and find out!
Overview of Nullhunter #1
Clay is a disgraced war hero imprisoned for a violent crime he committed after returning from battle. But Zays, Clay’s father and the head of the powerful company OLYMP0S, has other plans. Rebuilt with high-tech bionics, Clay becomes an even more formidable warrior. With this newfound power, he must carry out the tasks laid out by his father and seek justice in a world dominated by corporate interests.
Image: Image Comics
Review
A cyberpunk retelling of the Labors of Hercules is an intriguing concept, and Nullhunter #1 fully delivers on that promise. The first issue does a fantastic job of showing how the famous mythological roles and story beats map onto the comic’s futuristic setting, with Clay as Hercules and Zays as the puppet master in the high-tech pantheon of OLYMP0S. With such a bold concept locked in, it’s refreshing to see Michael Walsh stepping out of his horror comfort zone. He still delivers the snappy character writing and storytelling he’s known for, and fans of his darker work will find plenty of horror-tinged moments to enjoy. But make no mistake, this is a sci-fi comic through and through, and I'm excited to see just how big of an intergalactic adventure this series takes us on.
With that said, the world-building in Nullhunter #1 issue is excellent. The grimy scenery paired with splashes of neon colors evokes the classic cyberpunk atmospheres of films like Blade Runner and Total Recall. Artist Gustaffo Vargas’s visuals are absolutely killer in this first issue, with dynamic and colorful pages that bring the cyberpunk aesthetic to life in unique ways. One standout scene shows the “gods” sitting atop the OLYMP0S headquarters and plotting their next move for Clay. The scene is just a feast of great character designs, and I can’t wait to see more.
Image: Image ComicsSpeaking of Clay, his character is where the comic truly shines. Nullhunter #1 gives just enough of a look into his backstory to reveal the immense trauma underneath all his bionic upgrades. The comic opens with memories of war flickering across his cybernetic eyes, immediately contextualizing the horrors the character carries with him. With the story of the Labors of Hercules deeply infused into the story, it’s made clear that Clay’s trauma is a major theme in the narrative, adding plenty of intrigue to his journey through a dystopian universe. With such a strong setup for the story and main characters, I have high hopes that this series is going to take readers on a wild and emotional ride.
Image: Image Comics
Final Thoughts
Nullhunter #1 is a killer start to what looks like a promising new comic from Image Comics. Michael Walsh and Gustaffo Vargas have crafted a visually stunning and narratively intriguing world that blends cyberpunk and Greek mythology in a fresh, exciting way. As the series continues, it will be interesting to see how Walsh and Vargas expand the mythological elements and explore the moral complexities of Clay’s role as a corporate-controlled hero.
Why You Should Read Nullhunter
- The cyberpunk reimagining of the Labors of Hercules offers a fresh take on both genres, blending mythological themes with futuristic dystopia.
- Gustaffo Vargas's artwork is incredible, perfectly creating a gritty yet vibrant world.
- It's a great opportunity to see Michael Walsh flex his creative muscles outside of the horror genre, bringing his knack for compelling character work to a new setting.