Now origin issues are normally the worst to read in my opinion because 9 times out of 10 it’s slow and dull while the writer tries to show us the main core of characters. The normal fix is to stick in some cool action to speed the thing along. The writer has done an excellent job giving the reader a look at the funny, well rounded characters ; and in the case of Jessie someone you immediately like from the go. This issue is full of humour and moments you’ll recognise from your own time at school , which means you’ll get an attachment to this universe straight away.

Also with Issue 1 (or should I say Level 1) out of the way you can tell this is going to kick into the manga style action in future issues , especially after seeing the reveal splash page at the end of issue 1. Dragon Groove stands out from most of the small press competition I’ve seen in the respect that this thing is in full colour and bright and alive on the pages. The artwork is very alive and has some good little touches like the dad , and how you are unable to see his face in any of the comic (Check out the picture over the fireplace). The artist does a really great job of movement and pacing with in the pages. I’m not sold on the thickness of the line work around the characters but I think that’s more of a personal taste thing as it does no damage to the artwork itself , and plenty people I’ve spoken to have liked it.

All in all it was a very strong issue and I hope to see more from the Dragon Groove series.