The first issue of Warp Zone is fun, but a little difficult to follow. We’re introduced to several characters but aren’t really told who they are or what they’re about. As such, events are a little bewildering. Fortunately, in issue #2, we’re given a brief overview to help us keep things straight as we embark onto a strange and crazy adventure.
Years ago, Mungo (who wears a hoodie that makes him look a little like a Jawa) stumbled upon the Warp Zone—a system of tunnels connecting all the various planets in the universe, allowing you to travel between worlds without being limited by the speed of light. Now, Mungo travels to all sorts of strange and exotic planets, having a variety of strange and exotic adventures with the help of his friends, Jack Elsewhere and Penelope.
Jack is a bit on the strange side – fairly laid back for the most part – but there’s a lot more than what he seems. In that respect, he’s a bit like Ford Prefect from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy which would make Mungo Arthur Dent—along for the ride and constantly caught up in things he doesn’t really understand.
There’s also a character named Calico Jones who’s sort of a low-rent Cheshire Cat. He only appears briefly, but he’s fun and will likely prove to be important later.
This is an unusual story to be sure. As I mentioned, the first issue doesn’t really tell us who anyone is and introduces us to the basic premise via exposition. The exposition is almost a character in and of itself, guiding us from one scene to another, providing a bit of commentary and even giving us an intermission at one point.
The second issue is told in a slightly different style, mostly from Mungo’s point of view, and finally helps us understand a bit more of what’s going on. It might even behoove you to go back and read the first issue again after you’re done with the second. It will make a lot more sense.
The story and the art, both by Ted Lange IV, are crazy, wild, and a lot of fun. This is the beginning of what promises to be a very strange, but very worthwhile, adventure. I can’t wait to see how all of this plays out.
