GR-8 (Family Comic Friday)

We might all be stuck indoors right now. But thanks to the crew of the GR-8, prepare to blast off beyond the stars in this week’s Family Comic Friday!

GR-8 
Written by Stephen Tramontana
Art by David Pentecost
Colors by Juan M. Rodriguez
Published by Red Rhino Comics

GR-8 is a thrilling sci-fi digital comic from Red Rhino Comics. The first two issues have already debuted on Comixiology with more chapters expected monthly. Young human Cal and his rhino-looking alien friend Red have stumbled upon a conspiracy aboard their home ship, the GR-8.

Now fugitives along with GR-8’s head of security Commander Aziva, Cal and Red must find a way to clear their names and rescue Cal’s parents. Doing so will put the trio in peril both in space and throughout the numerous uncharted planets that they encounter along the way. Let’s not forget about the eclectic crew of the GR-8 and the wild characters that occupy this vast Red Rhino universe! I am a big fan of David Pentecost’s creative artwork on these amazing creatures.

I really enjoyed how this series is changing locales in each issue. The first issue was in the cold hard void of outer space. It’s perfect for introducing us to Cal as he longs for some adventure. The second issue becomes a western as Cal and friends crash land on a frontier planet. Be sure to appreciate the ambiance while on these visits as the varying color schemes make each setting seem that much more alive.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Cal, Red and Aziva. I am hoping that each further issue will continue to change not only locations but themes as the trio attempt to vindicate themselves. With the introduction of the roguish Captain Roark, I feel like the level of action is going to hit into warp speeds!

GR-8 has elements of Star Wars and Star Trek. But I am glad that while writer and co-creator Stephen Tramontana uses those franchises as inspiration, this new comic series doesn’t feel like a repeat of either.

I am especially glad that the writer doesn’t fall down the same rabbit hole Star Trek: The Next Generation did it’s first couple of seasons on air. When TNG first debuted, it seemed like wunderkind Wesley Crusher was always saving the day aboard a whole starship full of so-called expert adults who couldn’t fight their way out of a wet paper sack. In GR-8, Cal and Red seem like real kids. They save the day from time to time. But it’s often by accident. And the way they bicker and fight- Cal and Red sound like real kids whereas Wesley always sounded like nebbish brat.

GR-8 is a fun adventure for the whole family. Issue 2 definitely excels over issues #1. Most of that is due to the need to establish the characters. But once the adventurous aspects of the story kicks in- POW! You won’t know what hit you!

While I am disappointed that I’ll have to wait for issue #3, I can’t recommend this series enough. GR-8 is a perfect series for families to enjoy while stuck inside 4 walls during a time of social distancing. As you read over these 2 issues, you’ll forget (if only for a brief while) that you are in a quarantine situation.

Ideal for readers 6-10. However, this is an all-ages family friend read that offers something for everyone to enjoy! GR-8 starts off as a sci-fi adventure that evolves into an epic undefined by genre! It’s an adventure of a lifetime as experienced through the pages of digital comics!

Become a part of this great assortment of thrills today!

GR-8 issues #1 and 2 are currently available on Comixology.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

This review was concurrently published on Outrightgeekery.com.