The Ochlocrat is a strange comic with a strange cover and a strange name. A name so strange that despite being a real word in the dictionary, it is not recognized by MS Works’ spellchecker. If you want to know what an ochlocrat is, I suggest you either read the comic or check the dictionary. Checking the dictionary doesn’t cost you anything, but it probably isn’t as entertaining as reading this weird, weird comic. Heck, any comic in which someone says "You’re right-- It’s a hovercraft full of heavily armed lawyers." is worth reading. How can you argue with that logic? I’m still not quite sure what the deal is with the Ochlocrat. He’s a heavily armed guy with high-tech goodies who goes around apprehending criminals (in this case, a political criminal, but is that the extent of his job?), while floating TV cameras film the whole thing for live TV and registered voters log on and vote what the criminals punishment should be, or if he should go free. It’s a strange but entertaining notion, and the Ochlocrat is a colorful character whose dialog really makes the story work. Through the first half of the comic, I wasn’t sure whether or not I liked it. By the second half I was starting to warm up to it, and at the end I was hooked. The battle between the Ochlocrat and a rival Ochlocrat (our main character thought he was the only one and accuses the "imposter" of being from a rival network) was great fun, full of combat banter, flying energy rays, and other goodies, your typical super-hero battle with a political twist and weird gadgets (the flying video cameras are following them the whole time). This comic offers an interesting glimpse as to what our country could become, although I think it’s unlikely theory. It’s still a fun one to read (if not one I’d want to live in). Though the comic addresses some serious issues, it does it with quite a bit of humor. I don’t know how well the story will play out over a continual series, but if it’s intended as a limited series, it should stay pretty good. I look forward to future issues. As for the art, it’s good, well-inked black and white. The women look a little weird, and some facial expressions and poses look a bit off, but all problems are minor and forgivable. Not much else to say about it. As I said, the cover is weird, probably computer generated or something, definitely eye-catching with its indistinct images and blurred autumn colors. This comic is not appropriate for anyone younger than teenagers... There is violence, but it’s not too gory, however, there are sexual references and cussing that parents might not approve of. As well, I’m not sure that the story would appeal much to a younger audience to start with. For teens and adults looking for something a little different, however, this is an ideal comic.

[Back to Collector Times]

[Prev.]

[Return to Comics]

[Disclaimer]

[Next]