Seduction #1
Created and written by Rodney Roger
Art and Lettering by Laura Kjoge
Coloring by Hernane Lopez Chavez Jr
Cover Art by Aurora Tida
R-Comics
Publication Date: December 23, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

Coming from R-Comics, Seduction #1 is a hell of an inaugural issue for a new story, with writing that will pique your interest. The artwork is absolutely stunning, a beautiful result that is just a treat to soak in – and it will most certainly get you curious about this new series. It has a lot of action for an initiation into a new universe, with a sexy lead character who can kick your ass, and has no time for your bullshit.

Seduction shadows Sara Remini, a woman who seems to be searching for a peaceful place to live and exist after having dealt with some as-of-yet-unexplained traumatic experience. Coupled with her girlfriend Madison, Sara pursues solace, tranquility, and safety; a place away from her past. She’s running away from something, and it isn’t a cuddly teddy bear. And now, her past is about to catch up on her – as she is pulled back into some kind of clandestine, covert group she was once associated with – enlisted in a mission we’ve yet to learn about.

As a preliminary tale, setting the scene and orienting the reader, creator and writer Rodney Roger has done a killer job at keeping an excellent pace and grabbing the attention of the reader. We’re clearly entering some kind of action adventure, and the introduction doesn’t pull its punches. It’s solid, and it does its job: it establishes the setting and has me drooling for what is coming next.

Imaginably it’s just me being the typical overexcited male, but it’s also nice to see another homosexual relationship in a comic. In some comic media, it is becoming a little cliché, but in the context of this story it’s ascertained as soon as it appears that the relationship that keeps Sara grounded, and has quite literally saved her.

That being said, some of the artwork focusing on the relationship is a little forward – and I’m not complaining about this, by any stretch of the imagination; I mean, who doesn’t like lesbian love scenes, right? However, there is a LOT more to relationships – homosexual or otherwise – than just erotic moments. Sure, it’s an important part of it; but there’s more to it than just that.

On the subject of the artwork – the result is spectacular! And the work by Laura Kjoge and colorist Hernane Lopez Chavez Jr. is SO BEAUTIFUL. It is quite literally a treat to the eyes and the mind, and is often mesmerizing with how gorgeous the work actually is.

The artwork is reason alone for grabbing this comic. The approach seems to be paints and watercolors, proving a wondrous range of tones, hues, and shades that penetrate various gradients – as opposed to the tradition “flat” color of old comics.

Outside of the panes, the ‘whitespace’ is no longer white – it is a variety of gradient tones and colors, and while this has been done in the past, but it really makes the already stunning artwork POP out at you. This is some of the best artwork I’ve seen in recent comics for some time, and your eyes will agree with mine.

Aurora Tida takes the duties of cover artist for this debut issue, and I must say that the result is nothing short of spectacular. The design, the colors, all suit the kind of Vampirella/Tomb Raider female lead superhero we’ve all come to love, in a grand exhibition that would look unquestionably wonderful as a full print framed on my wall. Honestly, the poster version of this cover just has to be put out there.

I was fairly happy with reading issue one of Seduction. There are some elements that may seem like we’re going down a stereotypical goddess / female superhero story – but it’s too early to say at this point. As an opening issue, it does its job: sets the scene, keeps the pace, packed with art that will melt your brain. If you’re after something new to read, this is the comic you want to check out – the artwork is worth the price alone. Get a copy before Sara kicks your ass.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5