B-Squad: Soldiers of Misfortune Vol. 1 — Review!

It’s “The Expendables” meets “Archer” in a wild and hilarious romp featuring bottom-of-the-barrel mercenaries taking on the jobs no one else will! Every issue the wheel of fate turns and claims another member of the squad to make room for someone new to join the next crazy adventure. You’ll laugh. You’ll Mourn. You’ll yell “WTF!?”

The Good:

• Appealing Visuals

The art style is very eye-catching and fun to read with. It really helps play up the comedy and keeps the comic from getting too serious at any point. There’s blood, violence, and giant wiener dog monsters. What more could you ask for??

• The Cast

I love how each issue a (completely random) character dies to be replaced in the next issue. Each death is permanent and with it being truly random, an air of realism is thrown into this crazy adventure. Thus far, in true George R. R. Martin fashion, each character I’ve liked has died (DARN YOU FATE!) but knowing the method behind choosing who dies, I hate the author a lot less. The characters themselves are obviously well researched for their tropes and the French use was particularly impressive to me. I love how unique each member is and continues to be. It’s hard not to route for anyone knowing they could all die at a moment’s notice.  Speaking of, I’m actually really impressed with the concept from a writing standpoint; I.E. this is quite the writing exercise from Eben E.B. Burgoon, and makes me what to do something similar to flex my creative muscles. Bravo *slow clap*

• Hilarious and Random

I was skeptical, at first, of the comedy being compared to the likes of “Archer” and “The Venture Bros”. After reading however, I have to say that description isn’t far off. It definitely has that random air zaniness. As a fan of both references, I approve! I’m actually afraid to go into too much detail for fear of giving away/ruining some of the jokes!

• Cliffhanger

For a series that prides itself on the lack of seriousness and sheer debauchery coupled with fun action sequences, the cliffhanger at the end of the volume really caught me off guard. I have to say, it’s probably one of the most unforeseeable and well done teasers I’ve seen in a comedy comic. Even if issue one did(n’t) draw you in completely, that last page will surely make you want the next volume!

The Bad:

A couple of the death scenes seemed to fall flat in light of the promise of making them grandiose affairs, particularly the last death in the volume which felt almost shoehorned in because a death was necessary. There are a few moments of awkward dialogue, but nothing too damning.

You can check out the B-Squad website for information about purchasing B-Squad Volume 1, as well as funding B-Squad Volume 2 on Kickstarter.

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