Console Wars #1 [Review]
Originally crowdfunded through Kickstarter, Console Wars #1 by Corey Lewis has finally arrived in digital form, with physical copies making their way into the hands of eager backers as we speak. If you’re a fan of bombastic, high-energy storytelling fused with retro gaming iconography, this debut issue is a must-read. Lewis, known for his work on Sharknife and Sun Bakery, channels his signature kinetic style into a comic that feels like a hyper-charged fusion of ’90s anime, Western comics, and pure arcade adrenaline.
A Visual Power-Up
Right from the first page, Console Wars #1 exudes an electric, high-energy aesthetic. Lewis’ art is dynamic, bold, and unapologetically stylized, evoking the explosive action of Gurren Lagann or Shaman King while maintaining a distinctly Western comic sensibility. Thick, bold lines give characters and mechs a satisfying weight, while exaggerated proportions and angular designs emphasize the larger-than-life nature of the story.
One of the standout elements of Console Wars #1 is its “battle consoles” - mechanized war machines that clearly pay homage to classic gaming hardware. These designs are a love letter to mecha anime and retro gaming culture, blending chunky, old-school tech aesthetics with high-speed action. Every panel crackles with movement, thanks to Lewis’ expert use of speed lines, impact bursts, and dramatic perspective shots that draw the reader into the chaos. The panel layouts refuse to sit still, often breaking traditional grids to heighten the sense of motion, urgency, and impact.
Writing That Matches the Chaos
The writing in Console Wars #1 is just as relentless as its artwork. Lewis crafts dialogue that is punchy, theatrical, and dripping with fighting-game bravado. Characters speak with exaggerated intensity, delivering lines like, “Do we still got what it takes?!” followed by a defiant “HELL YEAH!”—the kind of dialogue that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Street Fighter or Guilty Gear cutscene.
But beyond the hype-fueled exchanges, the comic’s real brilliance lies in its integration of gaming culture into the core narrative. This isn’t just a story with video game references - it is a video game in comic form. The concept of “battle consoles” piloted by warriors isn’t just a cool aesthetic choice; it serves as a metaphor for the ongoing evolution of gaming technology. The older generation of pilots represents classic gaming eras, while this first issue introduces one of the many “newer” battle consoles symbolize the ever-changing industry, mirroring the real-world transition from pixelated sprites to photorealistic graphics, or from cartridges to cloud gaming.
Lewis also sprinkles in clever nods to gaming history, such as using the Konami Code as a literal launch sequence. These moments aren’t just fan service - they reinforce the central theme that gaming isn’t just about competition, but about the culture of play. The humor and meta-commentary woven throughout keep the comic from taking itself too seriously, making it a joy for longtime gamers and newcomers alike.
Final Verdict: Press Start to Continue
Console Wars #1 is a triumph of style, energy, and gaming nostalgia. With its kinetic art, over-the-top action, and self-aware storytelling, it delivers a reading experience that feels like mashing buttons in a high-stakes arcade brawl. Whether you grew up in the golden age of 16-bit rivalries or just love chaotic, beautifully drawn comics, this is one battle worth joining.
