Twilight of the Gods #0
Plot/Script by Aaron Stueve
Pencils by Oscar Bazaldua, President Nelson, Joel Rasmuessen, Gregg Paulsen
Inks by Oscar Bazaldua, Luis Alonzo, Victor Moyo
Colors by Ryan Vera
Letters & Production by George E. Warner
Bluewater Comics
Release Date: November 9, 2011
Cover Price: $1.00

Twilight of the Gods #0 is the beginning of what appears to be a new start for Bluewater Comics. Based entirely around the Greek pantheon of gods, it portrays them as being dependent upon mankind for survival. If people cease to believe, the gods cease to exist. I’ve seen this premise before, but there was just enough originality to it so that I wasn’t completely turned off.

The beginning is an obvious starting point, the death of the last of Zeus’ worshipers and therefore his passing as well. After setting a few more events into motion, both he and Olympus are gone. The primary focus here is on Artemis and Heracles, with a small bit of Poseidon and Orion thrown in for good measure. Lots of beginnings and lead ins for the upcoming comics slated for release next year. Aaron Stueve did an okay job of setting the hooks, though a little polish would have improved it immensely.

Now for the downside…the art. I was sorely disappointed in the entire book, but really the second section by President Nelson was the killer for me, it lacked both depth and detail. I really hope that they can pull it together before trying to publish the actual ongoing comics. I can’t say much more other than I’m not familiar with a lot of the names in this comic or the names shown on the cover shots of the upcoming comics.

Apparently the four comics that are being produced are focused on Artemis, Poseidon, Heracles, and Orion…go figure, huh? My final thoughts on this introduction to Bluewater’s new line are bordering on unkind. So much more needs to be done to make these sell. Either hire new artists or set the bar higher, spend a bit more time tweaking the dialogue, and please, please, try to make these original and reader friendly. The first issue of Orion, the first of the new comics, isn’t due until March which gives them plenty of time to work on it. I love to see independent comic companies create original work and succeed, but it takes dedication. And sadly, I don’t see a lot of it here. Not to say it can’t be fixed. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

For a buck, this is a decent deal. Nothing spectacular, but you might see the glimmer of hope that I do, as well. Worst case scenario, you can’t get that extra burrito at Taco Bell next time. It’s your call as to whether it’s worth the risk of a dollar or not.