Writer: Ivan Brandon
Artist: Mike Hawthorne (p), Rick Remender (i)
Publisher: Beckett
Synopsis:
It is a world of suffering, a world forsaken by justice and order. The people huddle in their ruined buildings, fearful of the ganglords. Hardship has reduced all to paupers, but still the powerful demand tribute. And when the "tithes" are not satisfactory, the people pay in blood and pain. The rapacious greed of the ganglords, the followers of the idol Baal, is without limit.
So begins this tale of pain and redemption. Society has collapsed and marauders rule over the meek. But will a hero rise from the squalor to throw down these despots? Will the people turn their face towards righteousness, rejecting the false idols that rule them?
Critique:
"Faster! Mighty Baal is bored by your sluggish tribute!"
Faster is good advice for the pacing of this issue. The basic elements of story are all worthwhile, but they get dragged on too long. It's forty-four pages of story which could be compressed into twenty-two. This is a pity because there is a lot of quality to find in this issue.
The plot is solid. Vicious motorcycle gangs descend upon the community, despoiling out of greed and sadistic pleasure. Later a hero emerges, who doesn't fear facing the gangs. Because of the hero's actions, the community gets another taste of misery. The issue ends with the hero facing the aftermath, setting up a conflict that will be resolved in future issues. This is a tried and true plotline.
The setting is a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Lawlessness abounds. The mighty rule through force and fear. The people scavenge a meager living from the urban wasteland in which they reside. This setting is nothing new, but provides a fertile ground for the narrative. The thematic premise is also familiar. When people have turned to the "false idols" of materialism and worldly power, the true values of life are forgotten, leaving immorality in the void.
Characterization is uneven. The gangs are convincing. The sadistic laughter at seeing a helpless man cut down, the bravado of defying death, the bullying mind games that they play, these all ring true. It's stereotypical, but dramatically appropriate. It gives the antagonists a credible feel. Unfortunately, the protagonists are thin. They don't get much panel time, and that which they do receive is hobbled by weak dialogue. Subsequent issues should remedy this.
The real charm of this issue is mood. Here the narrative relies on the artwork, which is spectacular. The rich compositions are compelling in establishing the feel of the story, from panel arrangement to figural representation to illusionist representation of motion. Facial and stance depiction are extremely powerful at conveying both character and mood. The intensely graphic and violent scenes get "stomach turning," but this is appropriate at creating an atmosphere of revulsion towards the depravity of the ganglords.
Colorist Giulia Brusco creates a visceral sense of atmosphere through the dramatic utilization of color. The bloody red of the opening scene evokes a sense of suffering. The jaundiced yellow and gold at the ganglord's throne room conveys a sense of their corruption and avarice. The sharp orange of the flames expresses both violence and retribution. Throughout this issue, color has an iconic clarity in establishing mood.
Appraisal:
"But you have not listened."
This is a good issue. However, it could have been a great issue. The pacing needs to be tightened and the protagonists need more focus with stronger dialogue. Everything else is working fine. Yet, without compelling protagonists, plot and theme falter. Without tight pacing, mood and setting are diluted.
Nevertheless, this issue is an interesting read with striking visuals. It has its own distinctive style, although it draws heavily upon standard post-apocalyptic motifs. I'm looking forward to the next issue.
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