Dark Circle Comics 2015
Written by Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Felix Ruiz
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by Rachel Deering
Well here we are with the second issue of the new Hangman’s origin and I gotta say it’s a doozy. That this is very much living up to the company name of Dark Circle is one of the better aspects for me. Michael Minetta is to be the new Hangman but first we have get to the point where he accepts the mantle. I like how Frank is telling this because it really delves into the darkest reaches of what man is capable of doing and how closely heaven and hell work together so that the right person is being used in the “job.”
With shows like Lucifer, Supernatural and the like on air we’re seeing more and more ideas like this one and I gotta say it’s fun to see. Felix and Kelly do some wonderful work on the interiors here to keep things so dark. There really is this heaviness to the work that helps you feel what you need to. Well that and the whole thing where Michael gets his let’s call it education about what’s in store for him. Such imagery on display here it’s really captivating. Plus there are these great little gems throughout the pages and panels that really set the stage perfectly.
Wow Michael really was a very proficient hitman wasn’t he. We see many of his fulfilled contracts here confronting him in what appears to be some dreamlike state. I have to admit that Frank really showcases his, Michael’s, range emotions here from uncertain, to terrified, disbelief and finally defiant resignation and it’s so well done.
When he finally realizes where he’s at and who his host is there’s great drama going on. The dialogue between he and his host is the kind of stuff you look for when reading it’s just that interesting and character revealing. By the way there is some rather adult language and suggest imagery in that language but it goes so well with the concept of what’s happening and who is saying it that kind of want to see him do just what he would like. Though fate and his working relationship have other ideas, for now.
There’s one moment when Michael uses his own words and pisses his host off to the point where well you gotta see it to believe it. Suffice it to say the results are incredible. It’s also the lead-in to the history of the Hangman and Michael’s new role in life. So basically we’ve seen the kind of man Michael is and what he does, what he’s good at and now we learn about what he’ll be doing from here on out. It’s good, interesting stuff and I think it goes beyond redemption but that’s on the table too.
My only request is that he doesn’t run around like the last page of this issue. I understand this is a new generation etc, but honestly the “street” look is tired already and I long for the days of costumes. Plus i’d really be interested in seeing what he chose, aside from this which is kind of lame. If he’s keeping this then at least do something about the mask/hood all he looks like right now is some burglar or mugger.
I look forward to seeing what Frank and co. has in store for us here.