Summary

Tex Wyatt is the groundbreaking first Black woman to serve as a Ranger of the galaxy, celebrity peacekeepers who bleed, fight, and kill to deter any outlaws or agitators who dare challenge the bottom line of the Conglomerate.  When Tex leaves behind her dead-end mining planet in pursuit of a life filled with purpose and honor, she crosses paths with the captivating outlaw known as Vega Corazon. She’s thrust into a thrilling, high-stakes conflict that not only tests her convictions but inspires her to redefine what true heroism means among the stars.

I’m a sucker for a science fiction comic set in the future, so I was drawn to back the Zeta Galaxy Outlaws Kickstarter a few months ago. I gave it a cursory read and never took the time to really discuss the comic, until now.

Zeta Galaxy Outlaws #1 presents a well-thought-out world with that sarcastic dystopian feel, layered with touches of humor. The story starts strong, introducing us to young Tex on her home planet. It pulls you into her family life, starting on her birthday. Tex has a close relationship with her parents and is a fan of an ultra-violent Western TV show. Kenneth Laster’s writing really shines here. This part of the comic hits emotional beats without being overly dramatic or heavy-handed. The storytelling within the panels and facial expressions are well done, adding depth and tone. The world reflects familiar themes of corruption and corporate greed dividing society, laying a solid foundation for what’s to come.

The story jumps a few years into the future, where Tex Wyatt is now a Ranger, and that’s where the real story begins. Laster does a good job weaving in humor. Tex is a well-developed character with a distinct, quirky personality, and she’s often the butt of the jokes. She comes off as a likable, soft-hearted character, but still competent and capable, not a bumbling fool.

Vega Corazon, the outlaw, is the other major character introduced. She’s a heavyset space bandit who’s amazingly nimble, zipping past guards and leaping off buildings. She’s more abrasive and brings her own energy to the story. None of the characters feel the same, which is a strength.

Much of this issue is set up, introducing the various main characters and factions. It ends with the two protagonists finally crossing paths. There’s no main antagonist or inciting incident yet, so the story could go in several directions, but this issue does a great job establishing the world.

The Art

Laster also handles the art duties. The book has a unique, cartoony style that works well for expressing a range of emotions, from embarrassment to anger, happiness to confusion. Laster has really honed his style, and the anatomy and motion of the characters feel real and natural. The general character designs, from grunts to side characters, all work well, and the color palette helps sell the futuristic sci-fi vibe.

The backgrounds are well laid out, with strong sci-fi design choices, from computer tech to space-age gadgets. There were one or two panels where I wasn’t sure who was talking, but it later seemed intentional.

The Plot and Execution

As mentioned, this issue serves as a setup story, laying down the ground rules and introducing key players. It’s part of a larger three- or five-part story structure. Some of the dialogue isn’t as clear at times, and I had to reread a few sections, but it was never hard to follow.

There are a few well-placed nods to race and class dynamics in this world, and they’re handled well. Several plot threads are introduced, raising a lot of questions. We’ll have to see how Laster chooses to explore them in the coming issues.

The comic leans into its sci-fi and Western roots, evoking the spirit of old-school cartoons like The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers. I could almost hear “No Guts, No Glory” playing in my head while reading.

Final Thoughts

Zeta Galaxy Outlaws #1 is a strong start to what promises to be an exciting, character-driven sci-fi adventure. The world is rich, the art is vibrant, and the tone balances humor, action, and heart. With two compelling Black female leads and a story that isn’t afraid to touch on social themes, this comic sets itself apart in the indie landscape.

If you’re into comics that mix space cowboys, social commentary, and fresh characters—keep your eye on Kenneth Laster and grab Zeta Galaxy Outlaws #1 wherever it’s available.

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