Numbercruncher #1Publisher: Titan Comics
Release Date: July 10, 2013
Price: $3.99
Creators: Si Spurrier, P.J. Holden, Jordie Bellaire
Format: 22 pgs., Full-Color
ISBN: N/A
Age Rating: Teen/Mature
ICv2 Rating: 5 out of 5
Collecting the "Numbercruncher" storylines originally published in Judge Dredd Megazine #306-308, Numbercruncher #1 represents the latest offering from Titan Comics' creator owned imprint.
Whereas the original "Numbercruncher" spanned 10 parts in Judge Dredd Megazine #306-315 from 2010-2011, the collected edition is a four-issue mini-series. Additionally, while the original series featured P.J. Holden's stark black and white illustrations, the Titan edition includes colors from Jordie Bellaire. Defying easy labeled, genre categorization, Numbercruncher #1 is a refreshing and entertaining, adventurous and intellectual dark comedy.
Created by novelist and comics scribe Si Spurrier (Simping Detective, Crossed, Extermination, X-Club, X-Men Legacy) and artist P.J. Holden (2000AD, Terminator/Robocop, Battlefields), Numbercruncher is the tale of Operative #494 also known as Bastard Zane, an agent of the Divine Calculator. Upon his own death, Zane is enrolled as an Officer of Karmic Accountancy. He learns of a dying mathematician who is close to unveiling the nature of reality. When the young man arrives before Zane and the Divine Calculator, and pleads for a second chance at life, Zane realizes that he possesses the opportunity for his own release from this afterlife. Reinserted into existence, the young mathematician, upon his new death, will replace Zane as Operative #494; however, as both Zane and the young man are about to learn, the Divine Calculator controls all the numbers that dictate their outcomes.
Spurrier's wit and comedic sense of timing are self-evident in Numbercruncher and fans familiar with his work in 2000AD, Judge Dredd Megazine, or X-Club will appreciate it here all the more. What is truly remarkable, however, about Numbercruncher is the artwork by Holden. As only certain panels are colored by Bellaire, audiences can witness and experience Holden's sharp, emotive line art the way it was originally presented. The colors act as supplements to augment Holden's lines and resonate within the narrative.
Along with an "Author's Note" section by Spurrier, which outlines the story's origins and inspirations, Numbercruncher #1 is an impressive and enjoyable debut issue.
--Nathan Wilson
