Skate Ali #1
Recap
Welcome to near-future Los Angeles—a neon-scorched city where skateboarding has been ruthlessly outlawed. But nothing stops Skate Ali.
By day, she’s just another student dodging detention. By night, she’s a rebel on wheels, an enigmatic loner defying the law on the Los Angeles streets.
But when Ali slams headfirst into the infamous world of underground skateboarding, she comes face to face with a crew of outcast skaters called the LA Skull Clan, and their masked leader, Skull Queen 9. Fueled by a magical force called the Rush, the clan pulls off explosive moves and defiant acts of resistance.
Faced with the opportunity to level up her game, but afraid of actually being perceived by others, Ali must decide: will she play it safe, or kickflip straight into a revolution?
Review
Welcome to Los Angeles, where street skating has become illegal thanks to the Chief Magistrate and the DCI. However, none that will stop Ali, who dreams of taming the intimidating “Big Red.” When she comes across a pair of siblings belonging to the infamous Skull Clan, Ali finds herself closer to her dream, that is if she doesn’t get caught. Also, is that a talking skateboard?!
The first issue of Skate Ali introduces a familiar world to our own, but also vastly different in the form of the Chief Magistrate and the DCI. Skating has been the topic of various media over the years, its not a reach to classify it as part of the foundation of American society. While this series will more than likely not go in-depth about the history of skating, it’s still an interesting backdrop as there have been thousands of stories of skating being illegal in certain areas and skaters being chased down by police.
Sam Humphries and Kelly Sue DeConnick create an imaginative story that is easy to follow along with. Ali is headstrong, but still likable lead and while her insistence on remaining a “ronin” (a skater without a crew) hasn’t been revealed yet it’s a good hook to pull on for later.
The story is fairly standard, but the book really shines in its art. Natacha Bustos brings a cartoon-like vibrancy to her pencils and colors that really makes the book stand out. There is a certain level of depth to this world and concepts like the “Rush” are gorgeous to look at.
Final Thoughts
Skate Ali #1 is a fun start to what looks to be an entertaining series for all-ages. Even if skating isn’t your thing.
Skate Ali #1: Skate or Die
- Writing - 7/107/10
- Storyline - 7.5/107.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10