Free to Download: Almighties Origins
One such publisher is London’s Actuality Press. You can currently download Almighties Origins for free. If you want you can pick up issue one of The Almighties for $1.99 from DriveThru Comics. The Origins freebie does exactly what you think it would – introduces the characters.
Written by Sam Johnson (Geek-Girl) and Mike Gagnon (Monkeys & Midgets) The Almighties: Recharged Reloaded Reduxed features a former downtrodden housewife with anger issues, a mercenary with borderline psychotic issues, a British punk werewolf, an egomaniac in super armour and… well… I’m not sure who or what the other guy does. It’s the latter guy who seems to be interviewing the group for a job at the White House.
The format is straight-forward but effective. Each of the group members has their backstory visited, just briefly, in turn. It’s a chance to showcase the art styles of Eleonora Kortsarz, Pablo Zambrano, Fran Jung, Ron Gravelle and Zack Rezendes. Despite all the different artists involved in the project the freebie episode actually feels coherent.
The issue is clearly intended to bait your interest in the group and the forthcoming series. I enjoyed the read but my comic book reading list is pretty heavy. I’m still thinking about whether or not to peak at the next issue – it’s not a cash investment that worries me, just the time. The Almighties rates Teen and it seems to stick to that; despite a splash of blood and Ms F’s maxi-bikini costume. The overall feel of the comic is hard to pin down. There are touches of zany humour and oddball but the writers tend to play it straight. There may be big issues lurking under the surface but they’re hidden by some more typical superhero tropes and comic book styles.
Ultimately, The Almighties is a lot of fun even if it is not your usual comic book temptation. The free Origins introduction available for Free Comic Book Day is a wonderful idea and there really is little reason not to check it out and hit the download link.
