This book is pure heart from start to finish. The ability to create such an incredibly entertaining and honest story out of such an objectively ridiculous premise is mind-blowing. This is a book anyone can, and should enjoy. Read Full Review

I picked up Black Hops USA GI as an add on to the sequel campaign. I didn't know what I was getting into aside from the images of a cute bunny and the gorgeous art from _.

Digging into the story, I think it's safe to say that Black Hops is one of, if not the best-crowdfunded books released to date. It's a unique concept masterfully executed from beginning to end. The framework of the story reminded me of the classic 80's movie trope of the retired soldier getting called back into action by the government for a final mission.

If you're an 80's or 90's kid you've seen this premise before. Insert an adorable bunny and Bruce Willis cameo.

You'd think that the story would be absurd and it is but Tim plays it straight. He doesn't cheat in establishing this setting and guidelines for what Hops can do within the framework of the story. This method of storytelling works for the reader because we're in the loop regarding the tools Hops has in his to deal with any emerging situation. It's like a Claremont X-Men comic. Cannonball is invulnerable while he's blasting. Nightcrawler can teleport his body weight or risk exhaustion.

Black Hops is still a goofy book but the comic works because it takes a lot of inherent problems presented by the nature of the lead and turns them on their head.

Regarding the story itself think of the classic G.I. Joe silent issue. Replace Snake Eyes with Hops and you'll have a good idea of what to expect in this story. I was on board with the story from the introductory section of the book but what really hooked me into the story was the art direction.

This is a beautiful graphic novel. The colors are bright, the characters are adorable and the scenes no matter how grim are almost always set against a bright or vividly lit setting.

Contrast to the overall light tone is the shocking level of violence on display. Once you get past the opening section of the book you're in for a wild ride into R-Rated action movie territory. Imagine Hops as John Matrix from Commando. If Hops had a voice it would be Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hop goes up against man and animal alike and all of it is beautifully rendered.

The book moves at a brisk pace and none of the scenes overstay their welcome. I have Black Hops II and will check it out soon. This is a worthy addition to any collection and stands at the top of the current field of crowdfunded comics. more