When I sat down to read this comic, I didn’t know anything about it other than that it had a cool cover — like a movie poster with a retro look. I always pick a comic for its cover, and a quick blurry run through the pages is a sell for me. I didn’t check if there was a full creative team on this comic, so you can imagine my surprise when I realised it was solely done by one really creative artist.
Usually I would make a quick introduction, but there are so many cool elements that I can’t do the usual. First, I have to say what a thrilling surprise this comic is. How each page was gripping and made me anticipate the next. How it left me with a most satisfying and entertaining feeling that bubbled inside me for hours later. I was pleasantly surprised many times — the comic never went the way I expected, and the art’s storytelling nailed it every time.
The vibe and thrill this comic gave me is similar to what I felt as a kid when I first started reading comics, when I used to absorb every aspect of the art, page after page.
Yes, it’s that good. I can’t wait for issue #2 to come out — and I’m saying this with a certainty that I haven’t felt about a comic in years.
Now that I’ve released all my enthusiasm, let me give credit to who is behind this great comic: Half Past Danger.
Stephen Mooney is an artist who has worked on several comics for IDW over the past several years. Half Past Danger is his creator‑owned comic, and for issue one he is the sole creator. Thankfully, IDW gave the green light and published this comic — yet another cool decision from this publisher.
I’m not sure if this comic will be a long‑running monthly or just a set of limited series, but I’d be pleased with either. Even in issue #1 alone, there are so many elements that can be explored that the title could last for many years and still be interesting.
The Story
The story is set in World War 2, and its central character is Sergeant Thomas Michael Flynn. Sergeant Flynn is a military man with a roguish flair. He has the ability to survive, not take unnecessary risks, and above all, protect his squad. So you can imagine his devastation after he loses his whole team during a reconnaissance mission on an unknown island in the East Pacific.
As they avoid engagement with a Nazi base they come across unexpectedly, they decide to return to base with what they’ve found — only to fall into even greater danger. The whole team is killed except Flynn, who manages to escape with the information he has discovered.
This is only the introduction, not the end of the story. It continues two months later in a New York bar as Flynn drinks away his sorrow. What follows is even more unexpected: Flynn is approached by three individuals who seem to be part of a secret organisation. The encounter ends in an unbelievable bar brawl when Flynn refuses to talk to them.
I won’t go into details about the lethal danger or who the individuals are, because that would spoil the surprises waiting for you in the comic. I’ll only say a few words: predators, powerhouse, master of martial arts, witty intelligence covered by femme fatale beauty — hope I haven’t given anything away.
Writing & Art
Mooney has crafted a story that features elements of war action, noir settings, and pulp aspects of the unknown and unexpected — all combined beautifully in one issue. The dialogue is realistic, smart, and witty. You don’t have to read it twice to understand it, but you will, just to enjoy what’s been said again.
He also builds mystery around the situations his hero, Sgt. Flynn, has been in. Nothing is fully revealed, yet it remains intriguing and gripping thanks to the way the story unfolds with the help of the art.
The art complements and delivers every aspect of the story, from the biggest to the smallest details. It’s dynamic, with perfect storytelling showing action scenes brilliantly from panel to panel. Each panel is essential to the flow — it gives a cinematic visual feeling, but better.
There’s also a good sense of humour that provides comic relief, made more obvious and entertaining by small details in the art: expressions, body language, and subtle movements. Pencils, inking, colouring, and lettering have all been thoroughly applied by Mooney to give us readers a visual delight.
Final Verdict
In general, Stephen Mooney has succeeded in creating a great issue #1, leaving the best of impressions and gripping us enough to want more. I strongly suggest reading this comic. Start from the beginning, because I’m sure it will only get better, and Sgt. Flynn will become the new hero everyone is raving about.
Read this comic and spread the word about how good it is.
costasoncomics.com 