I had the opportunity to get a look at White Cat Entertainment‘s ALPHA CAT #1. An issue that was successfully-funded on Kickstarter, the brainchild of writer Chris Mancini and illustrator Fernando Pinto is poised to return to the crowdfunding platform with its sophmore outing soon. This seems like a great time to look at the premiere issue!
ALPHA CAT #1
Written by Chris Mancini
Art by Fernando Pinto
Letters by Troy Peteri
Take to the stars with ALPHA CAT!
He’s always the first one into danger, and the last one to leave. A former soldier, he now captains a crew on a mission of exploration, searching for hidden secrets and lost knowledge and finding danger and adventure wherever he goes…
After being a soldier in the devastating Insect Wars, Alpha and his crew are exploring the galaxy. They come across a distress call and an ancient robot temple which hides a powerful secret. Scoundrels are captured and artifacts are recovered, but events have now been set in motion that raise troubling questions. Is the Insect Imperium gathering strength again? Why did most of the robots retreat to Robot Moon after the war? What is the true purpose of the hidden robot temples? And why are they suddenly being attacked by space pirates? Alpha must solve these challenging mysteries, and fast, to save the Animal Alliance.
Comics Bodega’s Comic Book Review:
ALPHA CAT #1
Being a cat lover myself – kind of a “cats rule, dogs drool” type of guy – this book had me with the cover alone. At no point did I read and view ALPHA CAT #1 and think, “This is a book for kids.” It may be considered an all-ages book but as an adult, I was excitedly engaged from page one.
I’m eager to learn more about the crew, excited about the prospect of future adventures, curious to see how the pirates play out, desiring to get more on Jonathan Eagle and the Raptors, intrigued by the Insect Imperium and robots’ backstory, and can’t wait to see what Cutter Fox does next.
Chris delivers an exceptional story with ALPHA CAT #1. For a debut issue, he’s provided a lot of groundwork and character development; more than you’d expect to have laid out in one issue alone. What I really enjoyed, and what was most notable for me, is Mancini’s cast of characters having their personalities almost fully-established right from the get-go. Clearly defined and charming, the crew is a team with which you’d want to ride along. Cutter Fox steals the show – his character attributes are brilliant. His mannerisms, (c)attitude, and swagger make him a remarkable scoundrel. Is he an enemy? Could he potentially be an ally? Can he be trusted? The writer also manages to leave us curious with lightly touched on commentary and compelling situations. By the final panel, you’ll find yourself wanting more right meow!
Fernando crushes every panel from beginning to end. The panel layout is eye candy and elevates the book like no other. His (fe)line art is everything you’d want in a story like this – sharp, intense, and alive. I found myself giving paws pause to take in the illustrations on a number of occasions. From the action sequences to the futuristic backdrop to the defining look of each character, Pinto delivers a space spectacle to be admired and appreciated. I’d pick up this book for the artwork alone.
When you have a name like Troy Peteri attached to your book, you bring an assurance of quality and impressive craftsmanship to your title. As always, his onomatopoeia game is on-point and is fully on display from cover-to-cover.
Peteri’s contributions accentuate numerous scenes in ALPHA CAT #1. When you have space, robot dialogue, and a lot of sci-fi/action sound effects, Troy showcases not only his talent as a letterer, but how to inject fun creatively.
The premiere issue of ALPHA CAT delivers on multiple levels: un-fur-gettable characters, visually brilliant (fe)line art, and an entertaining tail tale. How can your eyes stray when it features action, adventure, a futuristic grittiness, and light notes of humor peppered throughout the issue? A out-of-this-world extravaganza filled with sci-fi goodness, pirates, insect armies, robots, space archaeology, and an exploration into the mysteries of the galaxy. This is sci-fi anthropomorphism at its finest.
Be sure to follow the
ALPHA CAT #2 pre-launch campaign
to be notified when it goes live!
About White Cat Entertainment:
Outer Worlds. Inner Journeys.
White Cat Entertainment is a company founded by Chris Mancini in 2020 after working in many different mediums. The focus was on what he loved doing most: Telling stories. He has been a Writer, Director, Comedian, Author, Producer, Podcaster, and Parent. The last one makes him the most tired of all.