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Been wanted to post a write-up of "The 31 Days of Zero Suit Samus" ever since it arrived at my door. I don't recall where or when I heard that this project was fundraising on Kickstarter, but once I became aware of it I backed it immediately.
I was excited about the project partially because I am a huge Metroid fan*, but also because I wanted to fill our kid's library with truly kick ass books. Does "The 31 Days of Zero Suit Samus" kick ass? Read on to find out.
"The 31 Days of Zero Suit Samus" published by Fangamer & Wasabi Sunshine is the hard-cover efforts of writer Ross Rosenberg (@IronRinn) and artist Chris Furniss (@Chrisfurniss). While initially conceived as a joke between the pair, the project took shape with Rossenberg helming the subject of Samus' daily exploits, and Furniss handling the artwork. So it went for the course of 31 days for the Internet's amusement.
"31 Days" depicts video games' most famous bounty hunter, Samus Aran, traversing the strange (Zero Suit Samus has an insatiable hunger for pudding pops) to the mundane (Unfortunately, even Zero Suit Samus has to go to the laundromat). Regardless of the day's task, "31 Days" presents Samus in a wonderfully cheerful and endearing style bound to have even the most hardened Metroid fans (is there such a thing?) smiling.
Each day is a stand-alone concept, but reoccurring cameos and themes inferred slightly more of a cohesive story among the panels. At least that is how it comes across to me as I read each day from start to finish. It might just be a testament to Furniss' art style that I began to empathize with Samus as I followed her daily journey.
In addition to the art and subject of each page are notes from both Rosenberg & Furniss which act as a pseudo commentary track to "31 Days". When reading the book to my six-week old, I skip over these sections but they are fun to go back to when I have the time and offer amusing perspectives behind each concept.
31 Days is a cheerful tribute to rarely seen, softer side of Samus and her life beyond bounty hunting. It's bright illustrations and fun situations make for a read that is enjoyable to a child who has never met Samus before as well as a Metroid veteran such as myself.
Video game junkies, and Nintendo fans will easily find that 31 Days is money well spent. It's extremely enjoyable, especially as a new father being able to read it to my son.
While the Kickstarter editions may be sold out, I believe that future editions will be available from publisher Fangamer. Head on over there for more details. New editions will most likely be sans the Kickstarter bonuses pictured below.
With Nintendo all but giving up on Metroid, maybe Furniss & Rosenberg can get the rights to put together a game based on 31 Days. Now wouldn't that be something.
*My 'Metroid Fandomness' Applies to 2D Metroid Games which Nintendo has all but abandoned.