Falling Skies

Created by: Paul Tobin, Juan Ferreyra, Andrew Dalhouse
Pages: 104

In the heart of Boston, following the devastating events of an alien invasion, history professor Tom Mason and his sons Hal, Matt, and Ben are just trying to survive. After an extreme firefight with the aliens, Ben gets kidnapped. Determined to get his son back, Tom joins forces with the 2nd Mass, a militia group that is taking the fight against the aliens. But with the group’s munitions supplies running low, Tom must locate an old friend to equip him and his team in order to ensure the survival of the human race!

Watching television and movies in 2011 is not like watching when I was a kid. Back in the stone ages we couldn’t DVR as easily as now. There was no 30 second skip button on the VCR. We also didn’t get wonderful things like character blogs, cast chat, or web comics to go along with our show.

In an effort to promote their new summer show, “Falling Skies”, TNT put out a series of web-comics. Meant to lead you into the action, they stand as a “prequel” to the pilot episode.  I honestly wish I’d paid attention better to know that TNT made these available.

I discovered them last week marketed as comic books for free on Dark Horse’s website. I nabbed all in a heartbeat and tore right into them using my computer. (*Note, you can also view them free of charge on TNT’s website.)

The story gives you a little more insight into the various members of the characters and also shows how our band of fighters formed into the group we first saw in the pilot.

I think the artists did a fantastic job with the characters, making them look like the actors portraying the role. I also like the artists’ rendering of the aliens.

What draws me to the story is the hope held in the band of freedom fighters. If we decide to go with the premise of “alien invasion”, I think that the story in “Falling Skies” is most likely how things will play out. The aliens are not going to mess around with the piddly armed forces. The militaries of the world will all but vanish, leaving us with plain ol’ joe’s like you and me. We will all learn the art of guerilla warfare.

I also like the interpersonal relationships, which you can learn more about in this graphic novel. Those relationships will grab a hold and never let you go.

If you are a fan of “Falling Skies”, you need to read this. It’s just that great! Besides, it is short, so how long can it take?

–Lady O