Zed

(Gagné, 2004)
™ and © Gagné

Zed is a space alien resembling the Sea Monkeys advertised in old comic books. This science fiction tale takes on many biblical references with discussions of God, the afterlife, and heaven. The comic is presented like an animated cartoon in style and is very pleasing to the eye. Critic Frank Plowman sums it up best when he says, “Imagine the innocence of Bone given an injection of Jack Kirby…” Though some of the themes discussed may be a bit cerebral for some readers, it should appeal to all ages.

— Mark Arnold

Comics Buyer’s Guide Ray Sidman adds:

For those who have not heard of Zed from planet Gallos or his creator, Michel Gagné—who worked as an effects artist on Iron Giant and Star Wars: Clone Wars—you’re missing a treat. Zed is the childlike hero who unwittingly played a role in a horrific (and unintentional) galactic political coup. That was #1. In #5 he was resurrected, courtesy of the cool (and biological) rocket ship built by his friend Macku (whose head he unwittingly played a role in obliterating to a splatty smear). Got all that?

Though Zed is cute, cuddly, and loads of fun to read, the title itself isn’t for children. Older kids can handle the occasional flash of bloody violence, and the rare adult language—hidden behind the usual keyboard symbols (#@$% yeah)—is also more for older kids. I discovered Zed recently while perusing the floor at the San Diego con, and it’s a title I wholeheartedly recommend for those who enjoy the fantastic potential of childlike imagination with a pleasant adult spin.

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