By Benjamin Morin — Detective procedurals have always been a guilty pleasure of mine. Whether it's the latest iteration of Law and Order or the most recent NCIS season, I can always find enjoyment in these 40 minute mysteries that neatly wrap up all the loose ends. The only thing that would make these shows any better in my opinion would be if there was a sci-fi tinge to them, and here is where Thompson Heller comes in. Thompson Heller: Detective Interstellar #1 delivers an engaging detective comic that introduces readers to an original universe and makes the most of its unique premise.

The issue revolves around Detective Thompson Heller as he travels to a foreign planet to absolve an old friend accused of murder. Heller, or “Hell” as his friends call him, may at first come off as a character whose design and mannerisms seem to draw inspiration from Constantine, yet he very much retains his own unique style. As an interstellar detective, nothing that happens in the book is out of the ordinary for Hell which allows the story to just drop readers into a fresh world and give them a new experience.

The best thing about this debut issue is the level of imagination and creativity on display. Lawson has crafted a universe that feels familiar but still comes across as fresh. From the weird alien dialects, cleverly transcribed by letterer Damon Kane, to the assortment of alien designs by Dave Chisholm; the issue showcases a never before seen world. Lawson’s writing also works wonders in world building by layering disputing factions and intergalactic battles in the background of the main narrative. This attention to detail ends up creating a world that feels fully fleshed out and works to the benefit of the issue.

Another standout addition to the issue is Chisholm’s art. Earlier this year Chisholm knocked it out of the park with Canopus, and here he delivers his signature style. His character and alien designs give further depth to the world Lawson has crafted and brings the universe to life. I was especially fond of the Mignola-esque designs of the Althusians. His style is simple yet effective and it is only then made better through Cobo’s coloring.

The only gripe I have with the issue lies in an underdeveloped side plot. There seems to be an intergalactic religious dispute boiling in the background of the main narrative and the issue takes a break from the immediate mystery several times to bring attention to this fact. Yet the actual specifics of the dispute and Heller’s involvement comes off as vague and ends off detracting from the main narrative. Hopefully this side story will be developed further as the series goes on, but in this particular issue it came off as half-baked and distracting.

Altogether, Lawson and Co. have crafted a fresh world within which to tell engaging mysteries. Unlike many ongoing books, this issue contains a complete mystery full of twists and turns that still brings everything to a neat conclusion by the end. Despite some minor gripes, I personally had a blast with this book and eagerly await the next issue.

Overall: Thompson Heller: Detective Interstellar #1 delivers a fun and original debut filled with mystery and intrigue. 8.5/10

REVIEW: Thompson Heller - Detective Interstellar #1

Thompson Heller: Detective Interstellar #1
Writer: Milton Lawson
Artist: Dave Chisholm
Colorist: Fabian Cobos
Letterer: Damon Kane
Publisher: Source Point Press and Comics Experience
Price: $3.99
Thompson Heller, a private detective who travels the stars solving cases that have political or moral intrigue, travels to a faraway planet to help an old friend accused of murder. Heller doesn't believe his friend is guilty, but video surveillance seems to prove otherwise. While on the case, Heller sees friction in his romantic life. He's falling in love with his recurring intellectual sparring partner, a prominent religious academic. The complication arises from the fact that he's the most prominent atheist in the galaxy. Another impossible case for the man whose friends call him "Hell!"
Release Date: November 4, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Thompson Heller - Detective Interstellar #1

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Ben is a comic buff and film fanatic. A journalism major by day and a comic reviewer by night, he ardently consumes all forms of sequential art. On Twitter, he goes by @BiglikeBen.