The Fez #1
Written by Roger Langridge
Illustrated by Roger Langridge
Hotel Fred Press
Release Date: June 26, 2013
Available Digitally via ComiXology Submit
Cover Price: $0.99

Just like an old-fashioned short before a feature film, The Fez #1 by Roger Langridge (winner of both Harvey and Eisner Awards) offers up a sample-sized dose of action and laughs starring his charming title character.

This invisible (and yet somehow still dapper) hero doesn’t speak a single word in the mini-comic, but Landgridge has managed to fill The Fez with enough personality that he practically pops off of every page. The two vignettes showcased in this launch introduce a character that’s more chaotic neutral than your stereotypical action-adventure lead. In the first story, told from an enemy’s point of view, The Fez presumably rights a wrong and manages to nearly drive that foe bonkers during the process. Really, how could you not appreciate a hero who stalks his enemy (who may or may not be evil) and basically annoys him simply for his own pleasure?

The second tale hints that maybe The Fez has a hobby in alchemy or mad science when we see the adverse effects of a lab chemical that takes him by surprise. This angle definitely allows Landgridge to take his character in some interesting directions over time.

I’m hoping to see The Fez really blossom in future issues. He’s confident, strong, humble when the situation calls for it, and””best of all””he’s got that sly, silly streak that makes the two most recent regenerations of The Doctor so appealing. If you’re a fan of dark or emotionally heavy comics, I suggest giving this quickie a try between longer titles as a light-hearted palette cleanser.