Kamandi Challenge #1

   Of all of the creations by the great writer / artist Jack Kirby, Kamandi is probably the most derivative, being an obvious knock-off of the original Planet of the Apes movie.

     But that doesn't make his adventures any less fun! Kirby loaded up the series with amazing visuals, heart and terrific characters.

   Now the Last Boy on Earth is back with an all-star lineup of top talent - and a twist!

   The series is called Kamandi Challenge, and the idea is is that each creative team tells part of the story, ending on a cliffhanger for the next team to sort out.

   There are actually two sets of creative teams in this issue - kicking it off is writer Dan Didio and artists Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish. Their 12-page story sets up the challenge and leaves Kamandi in the middle of a mess - which the next team, Dan Abnett and Dale Eaglesham, must resolve (they get 24 pages to do so), move the story forward, and leave another cliffhanger for next issue's team of Peter Tomasi and Neal Adams!

   So it's a fun concept that promises lots of action and adventure - certainly this issue delivers on that promise.

   DC Comics actually did this once before, in the DC Challenge - a 12-issue series in 1985 and '86 that had a broader concept (it included the entire DC Universe) and really became quite a mess by the time it lumbered across the finish line.

   By narrowing the focus, hopefully this series will avoid that fate. This issue is a fun ride, and I'm looking forward to future chapters!

   Challenge accepted!

Grade: A-

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