Image Comics 2016
Written by Nick Spencer
Illustrated by Steve Lieber
Coloured by Ryan Hill
Lettered & Designed by Nic J Shaw
This series is so off the wall out there it’s utterly sublime. I have no idea what the hell is wrong with Roy and i’m not sure I really care because he may be one of those idiotic loveable losers we all can’t get enough of. One crazy ass scheme after another and none them destined to work out. There’s just something so darn endearing about him and no matter what hairbrained idea of illegal action he takes you just like him. You want to see more about him the way Nick writes him is infectious.
This issue Roy’s plan is taking over Pete’s detail protecting a barely legal child star. If you remember Roy framed Pete and got him sent away and he’s now a gibbering mess on the floor of his cell. Now why on earth would he do this well he and Donovan have a plan, of course they do.
I loved the opening you see how child stars, can/are/will be born, exploited and then seen by the public. It’s really a rather brilliantly done expose on a child star and could’ve been ripped from any number of headlines, female or male (the Corey’s come to mind not to mention Miley). Along with Steve’s amazing look at chronicling her rise to stardom and well let’s face it exploitation you have that eerie sense you are seeing one those VH1’s Behind the Music kind of episodes.
This takes us to one of it not THE BEST scene to happen in I dunno EVER! Now you’re dying to know what it is but you have to get the book to see it.
So I love the way things unfold here. I mean with Roy being on this new job, trying to get a new job, and being played like the unsuspecting fool he is was just amazing. The girl can be wild and crazy and utterly out of control but bitch can act! I have to admit though that seeing this out of control coke snorting, pill popping, booze guzzling “star” do what she does/did yeah i’m mesmerised by it. Didn’t see that coming not even like seeing the Great Wall of China from outer space and then crashing into it.
Just when you think something may actually go right for Roy well it’s all Murphy’s Law. I have no idea what Nick is on writing this but so long as it doesn’t run out i’m good. And if there’s any to spare yes please!
Steve’s work on the interiors are just as dynamic and unexpected as the writing is. I mean I loved that two page spread chronicling her career life. Then to see what she wears to go out in was a hunh really kind of moment. Still his eye for storytelling through pages, panels and the use of backgrounds, angles and perspective helped make this something you could soak up visually without words. I mean yeah on the third or fourth go round, you’ll do that many at least, just a visual perusal is a frakkin experience.
Nothing compares to this, it’s not possible that anything can.