By Larry Jorash — In 1954, a stray dog named Laika became the first animal to survive a trip to space; though she passed away while in orbit. In 1959, the United States announced that two monkeys — Able and Baker —had not only survived flight into orbit, but had also lived to see the return trip home. They became instant celebrities. In the new historical sci-fi tinged thrilled comic out today, Primordial #1, things are a whole lot more bizarre and wild. And in this universe, the three animals hit orbit and found something so terrifying that it shut down any attempts to reach space from either nation.

The book’s artist, Andrea Sorrentino, has been a rising star in recent years, having worked previously on the cult-classic New 52 Green Arrow run and the recently-concluded Eisner-winning series Gideon Falls, both titles also have seen him partner with writer Jeff Lemire, as he does once again on Primordial #1. Using a dramatic style of heavy inks and creative layout design, we cold open with Able screaming upon reaching orbit. However, in typical Sorrentino style, the page rapidly bleeds into the next and the scenes meld together becoming a new one altogether. The moods are set eloquently and the full page spreads make for a sharp and bold experience. The pages almost urges you forward and every speech or narrative bubble seems to only slow you down. This story is told in both the traditional literary sense as well as embodying an almost film-like quality in pacing.

Primordial #1 taps into a much-loved well of alternate history that tampers with life’s many “what if” moments. And as with many stories of a different past, nationalism plays a massive role in the plot development. As we watch the animals on their way to the stars, Sorrentino’s art reminds us point blank of the unwilling sacrifice many of these animals made representing their respective nations draped in stripes, stars, hammers and sickles. Lemire uses this nationalism heavily as a plot device to set the mood of espionage and for wickedly intense scene-setting.

A beautiful and vivid creation with tons of possibility, Primordial #1 brings thought provoking narration and wild scenes to the shelves this week. The tag-team duo of Lemire and Sorrentino has been a proven success and they very well may have found their most interesting tale here in a six-part espionage thriller. Indie books are often slept on, but Able, Baker, and Laika belong on every reader’s pull lists.

Overall: Creative, intense, beautiful. Andrea Sorrentino is a masterclass. Perfect for fans of the horror in Gideon Falls and the suspense of James Tynion IV’s Department of Truth. 9.8/10

REVIEW: Primordial #1

Primordial #1
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Steve Wands
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.99
Mind-bending sci-fi collides with Cold War thriller in this six-issue miniseries by the bestselling and Eisner-winning creative team behind GIDEON FALLS! In 1957, the USSR launched the dog, Laika, into Earth's orbit. Two years later, the USA responded with two monkeys, Able and Baker. These animals never returned. But, unbeknownst to everyone, they did not die in orbit…they were taken. And now they are coming home.
More Info: Primordial #1

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Larry Jorash (He/Him) resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)