Port Of Earth #5 Review

Rice Krispies

Written by: Zack Kaplan 
Art by: Andrea Mutti 
Colorist: Vladimir Popov
Letterer: Troy Peteri 
Publisher: Image Comics 
Review by: Andrew McAvoy


This is the tale of a port. The Port of Earth, landing point for alien lifeforms in the near future. As we have seen in the first four issues of this book, when alien visitors break Port restrictions and wreak havoc in Earth cities, it falls to the newly formed Earth Security Agents (of the ESA - the Earth Security Agency) to hunt and deport. The last issue demonstrated the vulnerability of Earth's defenses when things go wrong. This issue deals with the aftermath for the ESA. Let's roll. 

This was a pretty intriguing issue of this title. It moved the story on quite a bit and gave us an insight into how the ESA acts when it has to contain a situation. Agents McIntyre and Rice are given some detailed coverage post-mission and gradually we realize that George Rice is going to be the subject of some internal scrutiny, as he, in turn, realizes that his missing security pass and weapon are going to be problematic for the ESA.  

An interesting ongoing feature of the writing in this series is the interrogation that journalist Julia Campbell gives ESA head Tom Rutgers. Those scenes which are interspersed with, seem to take place after, the events of the main narrative. It's a good technique that manages to control the overall momentum of the story and give more background to events that pre-dated the series each issue. 

I should also say that the art is catching my eye more and more in this series. Mutti's work and Popov's colors between them give a very hard-edged style. I do like the way we are getting more and more colors creeping into the book as the aliens gain a larger foothold in the plot. The covers by Mutti are also worth a mention. This issue has the finest cover yet of the five issues released in this series. 

Bits and Pieces:

This is a solid book, and while I am never particularly filled with anticipation at the prospect of reading it, when I do I am always pretty entertained. The storyline does hold my attention, and the art is well rendered. Again, I like a bit more vibrancy and bolder colors in my books, but overall the art is nothing to be sniffed at. On balance I'd say that this is a series that would be better read in trade form if you can wait. It is enjoyable though and if you buy it you are unlikely to be disappointed.

7/10