Image Comics 2015
Created, Written & Lettered by Ed Brisson
Created & Illustrated by Adam Gorham
Coloured by Michael Garland
Design & Logo by Tom Muller
Alright so this is one of those slice of real life kind of stories that’s kind of awesome, powerful, sad and a product of a broken system. Mason did a year in the joint and he’s out now but even that amount of time changed him, how could it not. Unsure how to behave and to take care of his family without falling into old habits with a wife that’s supportive and wants him clean and a three year old daughter things are tough.
This is really a very emotional and well thought out story that just relates to people and experiences and not the supernatural or super powers so it’s really that kind of intelligent thought provoking story that needs attention. The way the story is structured is magnificent from seeing him want to fall right into old habits to being found by his woman and then working alongside a former inmate it just has this sense of realism.
Not to be left out or play the role of background supporting cast Becky has a few things going on in her life as well that just add to what’s going on. It’s great to see that she and Mason have more of a past than just his incarceration for B&E and that there are folks who’d like to see them slide back down into the rabbit hole. What happens with her at work well it’s not uncommon and the struggle to get out of that life is real and hard and the setbacks and temptations well yeah. This is some damn fine writing here it’s really the stuff that makes you see life from another point of view.
When Mason receives a desperate plea for help he takes his daughter out with him, leaving her in a car while he heads into a bar. That’s never a good idea but it shows a couple of interesting things. One he’s really a good guy deep down who struggles with his demons but has good intentions.
The end of this issue sets up what’s to come here and if it’s what I think than hell things are going to get a lot more complicated in hurry.
Adam and Michael do a nice job with the interiors. The tone, mood and setting they bring to the table here was so well suited for the story. There are so many little moments that really make them hit home and give you the kind of feels needed to really get into it. Page and panel layouts were well thought out and smart. Everything complimented each other here.
A stunning look at trying to get your life together and overcome a past and being back into it.