Royals #1 Review

Royals #1

Image Comics

Written by Derek Kirk Kim

Art by Jacob Perez

Colors by Jacob Perez

Letters by Jacob Perez

The Rundown: Brothers Castor and Paul have a gift and it just might get them killed.

Former MMA fighter Castor Wahng and his brother Paul have traveled to South Korea so Castor can compete in a televised poker tournament and change the brother’s fortunes. Unfortunately, Paul has to deal with his brother’s constant distractions but the pair have a special bond, a telepathic one.

As Castor makes his way to the stage, he faces off against some friendly and not so friendly faces while his brother makes his way to a local bar to watch the tournament and feed his brother his competition’s hands. Unfortunately, neither one of them realizes that the owner of the casino, who is also the sponsor of the event and its odds on favorite player is also the head of a powerful mob.

The Story: Derek Kirk Kim crafts an entertaining, fun and funny story in this first issue. I really like the characters both for their relationship, but also the struggles they deal with within it. I think having the characters have a psychic bond is an interesting and engaging choice that allows for the possibility of great drama to come. I also like that the characters are layered and interesting as they navigate a world they are not prepared for.

The Art: Perez creates beautifully detailed and visually exciting art throughout the issue. I love the gorgeous world of this first issue and how unique and engaging the imagery is.