TITLE: Prototype – Vol. 1, Issue 1
YEAR: August 1993
COMPANY: Ultraverse/Malibu Comics
Written by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski
Artists: David Ammerman & James Pascoe
Letterer: Tim Eldred
Editor: Chris Ulm
Color Design: Paul Mounts
Back in 1993, Tom Mason (best known for his Malibu Comics series “Dinosaurs for Hire”) and Len Strazewski (known for writing “Starman” after Roger Stern left the series and as the man who killed “Street Fighters II” Ken Masters in the Malibu Comics comic book adaptation leading to CAPCOM to cancel the series), went on to create the character Prototype for Malibu Comics imprint, Ultraverse.
While many people who never read “Prototype” would think the comic book was Ultraverse’s version of Iron Man, the character and storyline are nothing alike.
While the main introduction of characters would be featured in issue #0, with the very first issue, we are introduced to Bob Campbell, the former Prototype who thought he was taking part in a regular airshow but then, another robot had shot off his arm and thus Bob was replaced by Jimmy Ruiz.
Meanwhile, a mutated green humanoid/creature known as Glare is screaming for Ultra-Tech (the corporation responsible for building Prototype) and wanting to hunt down Leland (the CEO of Ultra-Tech).
As Glare is causing destruction, Ultra-Tech sends out Prototype to deal with him.
The first issue establishes the original Prototype, Bob Campbell, as a man who is disgruntled and demands to learn the truth of why he was dismissed from his job. Was it because of age-discrimination?
Meanwhile, a woman named Marjorie who works for Ultra-Tech (second one in charge) is trying to keep the current Prototype, Jimmy Ruiz in check as he has major headaches and not sure if it has to do with the implants (which allow a person to control the powerful armored suit allowing them to fly, fire blasts of energy and have amplified strength).
And the third, being Glare wanting to hunt down Ultra-Tech’s Leland being your ultra-executive caring nothing about profits.
An entertaining series, “Prototype” was no doubt one of the more action-driven Ultraverse series that dealt with political and business corruption. A comic book series worth reading!