Archaia Comics brings us a new trade with a strange but interesting tale, Hybrid Bastards! Zeus has angered his wife Hera with his infidelities for the last time. With help of the Greek god Hypnos, she is able to convince Zeus that all his attractions are to inanimate objects for one day only. Zeus, being a very potently fertile god, impregnates of the objects of his affections. Much to everyone’s surprise several hybrid creatures are born months later.
Cut to several years later, Zeus finally learns of his new offspring and seeks to destroy evidence of their existence and his humiliation. He sends his goons, police, and even his legal team led by Athena at them.
Among the hybrids are: their very macho leader Panos; a angry wall named Walter who is quite aggressive; the very timid Carmine; and a smart cloth patchwork named Cotton. Together, they begin their adventures by rescuing Corey, a depressed apple from Zeus’ attack goons. From there, they begin their adventure trying to anger and antagonize their father, Zeus.
The artwork in the story is rough and sketchy with over the top coloring that jumps at you. At times, it evokes imagery from ancient Greek urns and vases. Normally, I would not care for this style in comic books that I normally read. However, here it works very well adding to the zaniness of the story. The characters are surprisingly well rounded with depth and feeling for such a short story with an over the top plot. The book also contains a good sketchbook and a nice little extra story at the end.
This isn’t the typical type of comic choice, but I did definitely enjoy reading this crazy story. It was cute and fun. The book knew itself for what it was and didn’t take itself too seriously at any point which worked successfully.
Archaia Comics provided the review copy of the hardcover edition for FFoCaG to review.
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