Rome. 64 AD. The most daring heist in history is being planned by an unlikely crew – a former slave, a Vestal Virgin, a charioteer and a disgraced architect – each with their own personal motives. While Rome is distracted by the chariot racing and gladiatorial games of the Circus Maximus, the crew plans to rob the Imperial treasury under the Temple of Saturn. But when Emperor Nero sets fire to the city, they’ll be lucky to escape his wrath with their lives, let alone the loot. Circus Maximus #1 is the familiar heist genre but in a setting that feels new and different.
Written by Mark Sable, Circus Maximus #1 is an interesting debut. It’s a comic that you can tell if you know the history, its enjoyment is at a different level. But, Sable writes the debut issue in a way that you don’t need to know that history. Taking place in ancient Rome, it helps to know Emperor Nero and a bit about that world, but, the comic dives into the heist genre so well, you can focus on the characters, their motivations, and how they plan on pulling off the heist.
Like so many of the stories in the genre, the issue spends time introducing us to the characters and giving us a motivation for their actions beyond simply getting rich. Each team member brings a bit to the plan, a specialist that if they fail in their duty the whole thing falls apart. It’s good in that it creates a debut that’s accessible instead of diving too deep into history and getting lost in it. Circus Maximus #1 uses the history and setting more as backdrop and a driver of the story but its characters and their actions are the main focus here.
They negative is the comic rushes through all of that. We don’t get a lot of time to get to know the characters. There’s a bit of a focus as to why they’re undertaking this mission but it’s not to the point we really care if they succeed. So, we know the why of it all but it feels like it’s at a distance.
Giorgio Pontrelli‘s art is good. With color by Emilio Lecce and lettering by Dave Sharpe, the characters, dress, and setting all look like ancient Rome. I’m not an expert and can’t speak to the accuracy of it all but it feels right and enough that it immerses the reader without distracting. The visuals overall help move the story along focusing in on details and panning in or out to capture what’s going on. It handles the more emotional moments and also delivers solid action as well.
Circus Maximus #1 is an interesting debut that has a lot of potential. It rushes through the introduction and the initial part of the heist, making it intriguing to see where it goes. The historical aspect makes it feel fresh and for those that know that history, I’m sure it’s a more intriguing read. The fact it can pull off the surface level and deeper enjoyment is impressive.
Story: Mark Sable Art: Giorgio Pontrelli
Color: Emilio Lecce Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read
Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics
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