Lost Vegas #1: Lost in Translation?

Ocean's 11 in space - that was the initial thought when we first read the synopsis for McCann and Lee's heist-style title a few months back.
Whilst there are elements of truth to this comparison, wow do they deliver.

Meet Roland, a down on his luck gambler who owes a hell of a lot of money to a lot of the wrong sorts of people. When the debtors come to collect (love this scene), he's forced to work on Lost Vegas - the space casino - to pay of his debts. 5 year's later and true to loveable lowlife form, Roland has made his plans to get out. A very simple concept, but one that has you immediately looking forward to the next issue.

McCann and Lee are no stranger to working with each other, but they are by no means slipping back into old habits. This is a new venture for the both of them, as it is almost completely opposite to their previous work, and McCann in particular is so versatile. I'm currently reading this side-by-side with 'Mind The Gap', and McCann's style couldn't be anymore different. Lost Vegas definitely departs from the sci-fi-esque mystery, and presents a slightly more edgier and darker tone - that is beginning to reminds me of a noir Great Gatsby.


This really comes out in Ronald's character. From the beginning you get the sense that he'll be the low-life that we love. But there's something very dark and sinister about him. He only looks out for number one, and is willing to step on/over anyone to get what he want. This is the main reason why I absolutely LOVE Skottie Young's variant cover of #1 because his style really captures these darker qualities.

Skottie Young variant cover

When it come's artwork, Janet Lee has a very unique style that ready does root the story firmly in the comic domain, but at the same time there's something that's not completely right for me. The pages are dazzling to look at, especially with the help of colourist Chris Sotomayor, but I can't help feeling that it could be slightly grander. It's almost as if the vastness of the surroundings aren't being fully translated. The double page spreads are beautiful, but I don't feel as lost in them as I should - it doesn't necessarily feel like there are thousands of people on board as opposed to hundreds. BUT that said, Lee is great at making you feel like you are the overseer of this spectacle.  

So we guess it's all aboard Lost Vegas for some glitz, glamour, aliens and a squiggly ink thing.
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