The 21st century has not been overly kind to Lobo. The New 52 revamp attempted to replace him with a leaner, more amoral slaver. This new interpretation was soundly rejected and he was restored to his original form by 2016’s DC Rebirth. This is because, for all his lewd and crude ways, the Main Man is more hero than anti-hero. This point is explored in depth, in Lobo Cancellation Special #1.
Our story opens in deep space, on a backwater planet that has yet to achieve space travel. It is here that the Main Man woke up, after a lengthy bender, with no memory of how he got there. It is unclear just how long Lobo has been out of action. (Indeed, the editor’s note delights in confusing the issue, saying it takes place sometime between Lobo’s first appearance and his recent cameo in the Superman books.) It has been long enough, however, that most of the galaxy presumes him dead and gone. (And good riddance!)
Salvation comes in the form of King Oopgop of Veltrusia, whose daughter has been kidnapped by the warlord Murdercrotch Slaughterface. Lobo agrees to rescue the princess, in exchange for a ride back to civilization and help finding his bike. However, he’d almost do the job for free, as fragging Murdercrotch Slaughterface will remind the universe that he is the Main Man.
Lobo Cancellation Special #1 affirms who the Main Man is
Kyle Starks‘ script perfectly captures the rhythm and tone of the Lobo comics of the 1990s. A long time writer of the Rick and Morty comics, Starks is well-versed in both science fiction clichés and dark comedy. There are many twisted and juvenile gags, from the nihilistic farmers who beg Lobo for death, to the Main Man’s adoption of an artificial being he names Midiq. (“You need both hands to hold Midiq!”)
More importantly, Starks captures the essence of Lobo’s morality. While undoubtedly an anti-hero, Lobo does have a strict code of honor. He always follows through on a contract once accepted, pays his debts, and honors his word once given. The story highlights these points, showcasing how Lobo is a surprisingly ethical man all things considered.
By the same token, the artwork by Kyle Hotz is as dark and complex as Lobo himself. While Hotz’s style is his own, richly detailed and heavily inked, it invites favorable comparison to the character-defining work of Simon Bisley. Hotz also does a fantastic job of designing distinct and memorable aliens for Lobo to frag.
Fans of the classic Keith Giffen comics will feel right at home with the unapologetic, brutal, and crass Lobo Cancellation Special #1. However, they will also be pleased by how this issue displays that he is more than just some violent thug.
Grade: 5/5
Lobo Cancellation Special #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on September 25, 2024.
