Image Comics 2015
Written by Mark Millar
Penciled by Davide Gianfelice
Inked by Gianfelice & Mortarino
Coloured by Ive Svorcina
I’m such a huge fan of what Mark is doing here. Sure it’s the sixties and the costumes are “retro” in nature, which quite honestly is what I wish we were able to maintain, and people actually dressed to leave the house and took pride in their work and not being out and about relying on public assistance and going shopping looking like a homeless street bum. To infuse that with things like a fencing match at a board meeting and the loser having to run through Central Park butt naked just shows us that regardless these folks weren’t that stuffy.
By the way the scene when George and Walter are running naked through the park it really is brilliantly done, though c’mon what’s wrong with showing us their swinging manhood? Still there’s something freeing and slightly erotic to seeing them jogging like this and that subtlety is nice to see on the page. Oh nice little shot at the gluteus maximus too.
Skyfox or George has a drinking problem and it’s quite clear to see, though in those days I guess drinking and smoking were so prevalent that sometimes you don’t see the forest for the trees when there is a serious problem. That this issue handles his drinking and the impact it has on him and those around him and being handled in such a way that doesn’t get preachy or condemning by Mark should be applauded. This is surprisingly powerful and impactful story that sneaks up on you and leaves you with a very lasting impression.
Though much of this is narrated by his ex-girlfriend and then through his own actions as she describes them is a great way to see a loved on so concerned. Nowadays I think we might refer to Skyfox as somewhat bi-polar or some other mental disorder where his short fuse and inablitiy to control his impulses would be clinically diagnosed but we see him here exactly how he is both good and bad no excuses just plain and simple a man in love trying to do his best. Though he is something of a rather large child and a practical joker though if truth be told his jokes do go a tad too far but all in all a good meaning ne’er do well to use a phrase that comes to mind.
By the end of the issue things really take a decidedly different turn of events and kudos to Mark for making me believe one thing and it turning out to be something completely different. Nice use of sleight of hand style distraction leading the reader on a journey like this with one hell of a twist ending really showcases why this franchise has become so popular with readers. Aside from its stellar writing, characterization, plot development and advancement from Mark the interiors are as equally dynamic and so beautifully “retro” making this not a throwback or homage to what has come before but an original story that should take it’s place alongside the classic stories of days past.
With never a dull moment this series really takes what you think you know and delivers something completely different, unique and often spellbinding.