The Rift

(Roaring, 2002-2003)
™ and ©2002 AndrewJ. LoVuolo

The Rift isn’t a terribly original story, but its unusual amalgamation of artistic styles reminiscent of Starlin and Liefeld make it different. Connelly’s pencils aren’t on a par with Starlin’s best work, but they are far and above Liefeld’s. Writer LoVuolo borrows a few ideas himself, but all of these pre-enjoyed bits from both creators piece together pretty well.

Some of these bits are: a distant world on the brink of destruction, a portal to our world to which both the good and bad guys escape, and an obligatory laboratory accident that unleashes destruction on our world. They’re ideas that have worked in numerous comics past, and this one is no different. LoVuolo knows how to develop and pace the story, although he could have enhanced things somewhat by spicing up the stale narration and character dialogue.

Connelly’s characters look like they’re straight out of Starlin’s old Dreadstar series, and he shares, although to a lesser degree, Liefeld’s inability to portray people and costumes consistently from panel to panel. But his strengths with perspective and panel layout overshadow this weakness. The comic book could also benefit from bumping down the colors a notch. Yes, there are quibbles aplenty, but they are just that: quibbles. When the day is done, this is a pretty nice, slickly produced effort that deserves a look.

— Jim Johnson

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