ISOM #1 Cover A
ISOM #1 was the highly anticipated debut from Eric July’s Rippaverse, a new independent comic universe that promises to be a refreshing alternative to mainstream superhero narratives. The comic was released on September 26, 2022, and did as a pre-order campaign with 62,670 comics sold overall for all three covers (A, B, and C) and received over 3 million dollars. This first issue introduces us to Avery Silman, a man with a mysterious past who is forced back into a world of conflict and superhuman abilities. With so much buzz surrounding the launch of the Rippaverse, ISOM #1 sets the stage for a potentially expansive and engaging superhero universe. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of ISOM‘s story, characters, art, and overall strengths and weaknesses, culminating in a final score.
Who is Eric July?
Before we delve into the review, let’s go over who Eric July is for those who are not familiar with him. Eric July is a content creator known for his YouTube channel, YoungRippa59, where he offers commentary on a variety of topics such as pop culture, politics, video games, and more. In addition, he has been involved in various music projects and writings, continuing these efforts to this day. As the frontman of the metal band BackWordz and a well-known libertarian commentator, July has cultivated a dedicated following for his outspoken views on personal freedom, individualism, and limited government.
His dissatisfaction with current trends in mainstream comics particularly what he sees as the growing influence of political and ideological messaging drove him to create the Rippaverse, a comic book universe that prioritizes storytelling and creativity over external agendas
July’s entry into the comic world comes with a clear mission: to create content that appeals to fans looking for engaging stories free from the pressures of cultural or political narratives. With ISOM #1, July introduces readers to a world where superheroes are defined by their actions and choices, not by social or political ideologies. The Rippaverse is positioned as a space for authentic storytelling, aiming to offer something fresh to comic book readers who may have grown tired of the traditional offerings from Marvel and DC.
What is the Rippaverse?
The Rippaverse is not just another independent comic book company, but it’s a statement of intent from creator Eric July, who aims to bring something fresh to the comic book landscape. After years of observing the disorder in the comic book industry, July was inspired to create a universe that prioritizes storytelling, creativity, and character development above all else. One of the core goals of the Rippaverse is to provide an alternative to mainstream superhero narratives, which July argues have become increasingly bogged down by political and ideological agendas.
At its core, the Rippaverse champions freedom of expression and artistic integrity. This universe is designed to allow stories and characters to evolve naturally, without being shaped by external pressures or trends in pop culture. The tagline for the Rippaverse is “Our stories. Our way.” This motto reflects Eric July’s commitment to producing comics where the focus is purely on the narrative and the characters, rather than on meeting the demands of current cultural movements.
A key aspect of the Rippaverse is its potential for expansion. Like other popular comic universes, the Rippaverse will feature multiple characters, interconnected stories, and deep lore that can be explored across different series. ISOM #1 is just the beginning of what July envisions as a long-lasting, continuously evolving universe. He has indicated that there will be many more stories, characters, and even entire worlds waiting to be revealed in future issues. Plus, the Rippaverse does not only cover superheroes, but there will be various types of genres and styles under it which allows a wide range of storytelling opportunities.
In terms of its audience, the Rippaverse is geared toward readers who feel disenfranchised by current mainstream comics. This includes fans who crave engaging plots, well-rounded characters, and rich world-building without feeling like they’re being subjected to messaging or social commentary. July wants the Rippaverse to be a place where anyone can pick up a comic, dive into a well-crafted story, and connect with the characters on a human level, regardless of where they stand on social or political issues.
Financially, the Rippaverse has already been a success. July used crowdfunding to launch the series, and the campaign exceeded expectations, raising millions of dollars and selling hundreds of thousands of copies of ISOM #1. This proves there’s a substantial market for independent comics like those in the Rippaverse—comics that prioritize entertainment and storytelling over messaging. As July expands the Rippaverse, the financial success combined with the positive reception from fans shows that this universe has strong potential to grow and thrive, offering an exciting alternative to traditional superhero comics.
Plot Summary of ISOM #1
Setting the Stage: Avery Silman’s Quiet Life
ISOM #1 begins by introducing readers to the protagonist, Avery Silman, who now leads a quiet life as a rancher in Florence, Texas. It’s clear from the outset that Avery once had a very different life. He previously operated as a superhero under the alias “Isom,” though the details of his past remain vague at this point in the story. Avery’s decision to step away from the life of a superhero suggests a man who has grown disillusioned with the world of super-powered beings and the conflicts that come with it.
Despite this, Avery is content with his simple, peaceful existence on the ranch, distancing himself from the chaotic world of superheroes and villains. However, it becomes apparent that his past is not something he can completely leave behind. The tranquility of Avery’s life is disrupted when he receives a call from an old friend, Altona, who asks for his help. Altona’s relative, Jasmine, has gone missing under mysterious circumstances, and she believes that Avery’s unique set of skills might be the key to finding her.
A Reluctant Return to Action
Avery is hesitant to get involved. His initial reaction reflects his reluctance to return to the life he once led, but Altona’s plea tugs at his sense of responsibility. He agrees to investigate Jasmine’s disappearance, knowing that this will likely lead him back into a world he’s tried hard to avoid.
As Avery begins his investigation, the story quickly takes a darker turn. His search for Jasmine brings him into contact with the powerful and dangerous criminal, Darren Fontaino. Darren is a formidable figure in Florence’s criminal underworld and possesses powers of his own. The connection between Darren and Jasmine remains murky at first, but it becomes clear that Darren is deeply involved in something sinister, which will force Avery to confront him.
The Conflict with Darren Fontaino
As the tension builds, Avery’s investigation leads to an inevitable confrontation with Darren Fontaino. This is where we begin to see more of Avery’s past as Isom comes to the forefront. Darren is not just an ordinary criminal; he has the resources and power to make him a serious threat, even for someone like Avery. The comic takes a few moments to explore Darren’s motivations, though it leaves much of his backstory for future issues to unpack.
The encounter between Avery and Darren results in an intense battle that reintroduces Avery to the world of super-powered conflict. The action sequences in this portion of the comic are fast-paced and filled with energy, showcasing Avery’s skills as a fighter and his resilience in the face of powerful opponents. It’s clear that Avery, despite his time away, hasn’t lost his edge when it comes to handling physical threats.
However, the fight with Darren doesn’t lead to a clean resolution. Instead, it serves as a reminder to Avery that his past is far from buried. The conflict hints at much larger forces at play, both in Florence and possibly beyond, that will likely become central to future story arcs in the Rippaverse.
Unresolved Mysteries and the Future of ISOM
While ISOM #1 provides a satisfying introduction to Avery’s character and the broader world of the Rippaverse, it leaves readers with more questions than answers. The mystery surrounding Jasmine’s disappearance remains only partially resolved, and Darren Fontaino’s true motives and connections are left open-ended, setting the stage for future issues to delve deeper into these plotlines.
A key theme in the comic is Avery’s internal struggle. Although the physical conflict with Darren drives much of the action, it’s Avery’s psychological journey that will likely form the backbone of the series. He is a man who doesn’t want to be defined by his past as Isom, but the events of this first issue suggest that his return to the superhero life is inevitable.
In addition to the main storyline, we also see the brief appearances of Alpha Core and Yaira in the latter part of the issue, providing a quick introduction to these characters and hinting at their importance within the Rippaverse. Their roles, while not fully explored in this issue, clearly set them up for deeper involvement in future stories. Of course, both of their first issues came out and I’ll be covering their appearances in more detail as well as reviews in the near future.
The issue closes without fully resolving Avery’s decision about whether to re-embrace his identity as Isom or continue trying to lead a quiet life as a rancher. This unresolved tension is a strong hook for readers, inviting them to return for future issues to see how Avery’s story will evolve. The introduction of Darren as a key antagonist, along with hints of a larger criminal organization, promises that ISOM will have plenty of action and intrigue moving forward.
ISOM #1 Cover B
Artwork Overall
The artwork in ISOM #1 plays a significant role in establishing the tone and mood of the Rippaverse. One of the most notable aspects of the visual presentation is its blend of classic comic book style with a modern sensibility. The illustrations, done and led by both Gabe Eltaeb and Cliff Richards as the main artists, are clean, sharp, and dynamic, effectively bringing Avery Silman’s world to life. The use of bold lines and vibrant colors gives the comic an energetic feel that aligns with its superhero roots, while the action sequences are especially well-done, creating a sense of motion and intensity.
Character design is another area where the artwork shines. Avery Silman, as Isom, is drawn with a strong, grounded appearance. He has a powerful physique that reflects his past as a superhero, and his costume design strikes a balance between simplicity and practicality. It’s not overly flashy, which helps establish Isom as a hero who is more about action than presentation. The contrast between his rancher attire and his superhero persona subtly reinforces his internal struggle, highlighting the duality of his life. Darren Fontaino and the other characters introduced in ISOM #1 are also well-designed, though some secondary characters feel less distinct compared to Avery and Darren.
The color palette used throughout the comic enhances the overall aesthetic. Bright, bold colors are used in the more action-oriented scenes, creating a sense of excitement and urgency. This is juxtaposed with more muted tones during the quieter, reflective moments, such as when Avery is shown on his ranch. The shifts in color helps set the mood, transitioning smoothly between different emotional beats in the story.
However, while the character and action panels are well-executed, there are moments when the backgrounds and environments feel a little sparse. In scenes set in Florence, Texas, there could have been more attention to detail in the cityscape, as some of the settings feel a bit generic. Adding more visual depth to the environment could have further enriched the world-building and made the setting feel more immersive.
Overall, the artwork in ISOM #1 effectively complements the story. The fight scenes are fluid and energetic, with dynamic poses and motion that help carry the action. While there are a few areas where more detail could have enhanced the visual storytelling, the art style is cohesive and supports the tone of the comic well. It’s clear that the creative team behind the artwork has a strong grasp on the superhero genre, and future issues have the potential to push the boundaries even further as the Rippaverse expands.
Character Development
The character development in ISOM #1 is a crucial element of the story, particularly concerning its protagonist, Avery Silman. As a man who once operated as a superhero, Avery’s character is rooted in the archetype of the reluctant hero, a trope that has long been a staple of superhero narratives. However, what makes Avery stand out is the clear sense of weariness and detachment from his former life. His decision to live a quiet life as a rancher suggests that he has grown disillusioned with the world of super-powered conflicts, though ISOM #1 only hints at the reasons behind his retirement.
Throughout the issue, Avery’s internal struggle is subtly portrayed. He is torn between his desire to maintain his peaceful existence and the call to action when his old friend Altona seeks his help. Avery’s reluctance to get involved in Jasmine’s disappearance speaks to a deeper conflict within him—a battle between his sense of duty and his desire for personal peace. This complexity makes Avery an interesting character to follow, as readers are left wondering whether he will fully embrace his identity as Isom once again, or continue to resist being drawn back into the superhero world.
Despite the focus on Avery, some of the secondary characters in ISOM #1 feel underdeveloped. Darren Fontaino, while introduced as a powerful antagonist, comes across as a fairly standard villain in this issue. We are given hints of his criminal operations and his influence in Florence, but his motivations and backstory are left largely unexplored. While this could be intentional, leaving room for future issues to flesh out Darren’s character, it leaves him feeling somewhat one-dimensional in the debut issue.
Similarly, Altona is introduced as a key figure from Avery’s past, but her character is only briefly touched upon. We understand that she and Avery have a close relationship, but the nature of their history remains unclear. This lack of depth in the supporting cast is understandable for a first issue that prioritizes world-building and establishing the protagonist, but it does limit the emotional investment readers might have in the surrounding characters.
Ultimately, the character development in ISOM #1 is focused largely on Avery Silman, and while his journey is compelling, there is room for more exploration of the characters around him. As the series progresses, further development of both the protagonist and the supporting characters could elevate the story and make the Rippaverse feel more richly populated with complex, multi-dimensional figures.
Strengths of ISOM #1
One of the primary strengths of ISOM #1 lies in its world-building. From the first pages, it’s clear that the Rippaverse is a universe with its own set of rules, characters, and potential for expansion. While this issue only scratches the surface of what the Rippaverse has to offer, it successfully sets up a world that feels distinct from mainstream comic book universes. The introduction of Florence, Texas as a central location helps ground the story in a specific setting, while also hinting at a much larger world beyond it. This kind of world-building, especially in a debut issue, is crucial for drawing readers into the universe and making them want to explore more.
Another strength of ISOM #1 is the action sequences. The conflict between Avery and Darren Fontaino is engaging and well-paced, showcasing Avery’s abilities and hinting at the power dynamics in the Rippaverse. The choreography of the fight scenes is fluid, with each movement contributing to the narrative tension. This balance of action and storytelling is a key strength of the comic, as it keeps the momentum going while also revealing more about Avery’s character through his physicality and determination.
Avery’s character arc is another positive aspect of the issue. Although much of his past remains a mystery, the comic provides enough detail to make readers care about his journey. His reluctance to return to the life of a superhero adds depth to his character, making him more than just a standard action hero. The themes of internal conflict, duty, and redemption resonate throughout the issue, and Avery’s journey will be one of the driving forces in the series moving forward.
Finally, ISOM #1 succeeds in building anticipation for future issues. By leaving certain plot points unresolved, such as the mystery surrounding Jasmine’s disappearance and Darren’s larger plans and therefore, the comic effectively creates a sense of intrigue. The promise of future revelations and expanded storylines is a major strength, as it encourages readers to stay invested in the series and explore the larger Rippaverse.
Weaknesses of ISOM #1
While ISOM #1 has a strong foundation, it’s not without its weaknesses. One of the most significant issues is the pacing. While the comic moves quickly to establish the main conflict, some parts of the story feel rushed. For instance, the transition from Avery’s decision to investigate Jasmine’s disappearance to his confrontation with Darren happens quite rapidly, leaving little room for suspense or buildup. This pacing issue limits the potential emotional impact of the story, as readers aren’t given enough time to fully absorb the gravity of the situation before the action takes over.
Another area where the comic could improve is in its character depth, particularly with the supporting cast. As mentioned earlier, Darren Fontaino feels somewhat underdeveloped as a villain. While he serves as a formidable antagonist, his motivations and backstory are left mostly ambiguious. The lack of depth in Darren’s character makes the conflict feel more surface-level, rather than a clash between two fully realized, complex figures. Similarly, Altona’s role in the story is important, but her character is not fleshed out enough to make readers feel deeply invested in her relationship with Avery.
Additionally, some of the dialogue in ISOM #1 comes off as a bit odd. While the conversations effectively convey the necessary plot points, they feel somewhat forced or expository at times. This is particularly noticeable in scenes where characters are explaining the situation to each other, rather than allowing the story to unfold more naturally through their interactions. Improving the flow and naturalness of the dialogue could help enhance the overall storytelling experience.
Finally, while the artwork is largely a strength, as mentioned earlier, the backgrounds and world details sometimes feel scattered. Florence, Texas, while introduced as the setting, doesn’t feel as lived-in or distinct as it could. Adding more environmental details and visual cues could help make the world of ISOM feel more immersive, enhancing the reader’s connection to the story.
ISOM #1 Cover C
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 7/10
ISOM #1 is a strong debut for both the character of Avery Silman and the larger Rippaverse, offering a solid foundation for future stories. While the issue didn’t revolutionize the comic book industry or “bash the door open,” it did take a significant and bold first step. Eric July and his team have successfully carved out a space in the industry with a well-defined mission and vision. The comic sets the stage for what promises to be an expansive universe, filled with potential for growth in storytelling and character development.
The world-building is intriguing, the artwork is dynamic, and the promise of future conflict between Avery and the forces he’ll face has readers excited for what’s to come. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in pacing and character depth, which could elevate future issues. That being said, ISOM #1 lays a strong foundation for the Rippaverse, and it will be exciting to see how the story and universe evolve as more titles are released.
Although ISOM #1 didn’t break the door hard in the superhero genre, it achieved something just as important as it did stepped into that door properly. It established the Rippaverse as a serious contender in the independent comic scene. As the series progresses, the big question remains: how did ISOM #2 build on the groundwork laid by this first issue? Was there an improvement in the storytelling and character arcs? These are key points to watch, and fans along with comic readers alike will be eager to see how the series progresses.
In conclusion, ISOM #1 delivers a solid start. It has paved the way for other Rippaverse comics, and I’m looking forward to sharing how ISOM #2 holds up in comparison. Stay tuned for that review, as it will reveal how the Rippaverse continues to evolve and whether it manages to capitalize on the potential introduced here.
Leave a Reply