The 27 Run: Crash #1 - Meet Your Sassy A.I.
Creative Team
writer: JUSTIN ZIMMERMAN
artist: RUSSELL BROWN
colorists: FRAN GAMBOA
letterer: THOMAS MAUER
publisher: BATTLE QUEST COMICS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
The 27 Run: Crash #1 brings action, laser beams, and city-stomping monsters onto stands for fans of giant brawls.
This issue wastes no time getting into the action and readers are introduced to a Pilot who wakes up in a giant mech with a sassy A.I. named SID telling him what to do. Despite the banter between the two, they must work together if they want to survive and try to save the world.
In my opinion, Kaiju comics can be outlets of serious stories—but some of the most entertaining experiences are often tales that enjoy the bombastic nature of skyscraper-sized creatures.
In the case of The 27 Run: Crash #1, the unique choice of a Pilot being confused (likely as a result of failing in a fight and getting hurt) is a unique method of providing exposition while spending much of the page length in heated conversation. While the Pilot isn’t unlikable, SID steals the show with his dated references and snarky commentary on the Pilot’s abilities.
This unique angle offers mystery to the Kaiju genre and by the end of the issue, readers are likely going to wonder how the writers are going to get themselves out of the corner they put themselves in.
On the topic of writing, author Justin Zimmerman’s script is fun and balances pacing and world building. While some jokes don’t always land, that is part of the charm of SID as his audience is a Pilot with amnesia. This adds to the chaotic tone and almost creates a funny moment on its own.
Much of the art from Russell Brown relies on close up panels, but once monsters and machines are in the mix—readers will be able to see the care put into creating dynamic moments full of energy and destruction. The colors from Fran Gamboa help enrich the art and with the number of moments where blasts are shot and creatures growl, the colors help take the comic to the next level.
This issue is a solid premiere and carves a nice niche in the mythos of steel against talons and teeth. While the Pilot doesn’t have a lot of range, SID more than makes up for the issue and readers will likely find themselves cracking a smile as the messy robot lets his attitude loose.
Final Verdict
The 27 Run: Crash is an entertaining and unique spin on the Kaiju and mech genre. Despite its post-apocalyptic setting, it never takes itself too seriously and is full of unexpected chuckles amongst the backdrop of destruction.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 8.5 |
| Story/Plot | 8.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 8.5 |
| Colors | 9.0 |
| Final Score | 8.6/10 |