Image Comics 2015
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrated by Steve Skroce
Coloured by Matt Hollingsworth
Lettered & Designed by Fonografiks
Each issue continually amazes me with the story advancement and characterization we get. As each issue begins with a flashback to when Amber was younger and how she was forced to deal with what was happening around turning her into the woman we see now i’m thrilled by the characters progression. We finally see the moment she and brother, Tommy, were split up and how he was captured. Also by how much time had passed that they were on their own as well since seeing him here he appears to be so much older than when we last saw him.
Brian chooses moments in the flashbacks that demonstrate why she behaves like she does now and that’s nice to see. It really goes a long way in helping me as a reader understand her position and motivations behind her actions. With this new group she’s found herself with she’s found a new purpose and even family to be a part of so how fiercely she defends that comes as no surprise. While we have to learn how she got as smart she’s gotten with the use of tools, tactics and through books it doesn’t really matter at the moment. It’s something to still explore down the road because for now it’s really just adds to the mystery behind her.
We already saw the technology they used to break Chief last issue and they wasted no time in sending out the troops to shut them and their base down. Watching them come together and scramble to get out alive and what the team means to each of them and who is willing to do what for others is really impressive.
I have applaud and give praises to Steve and Matt here because what they do with the interiors is stunning. Aside from the darker interior of the mountain and all the mechanical aspects that they bring to life the snowy outdoors is so pristinely white and the flashback has that really soft quality to it. Of all these things alongside the incredible amount of detail they bring us is simply breathtaking. They manage to pack a lot of feelings and emotions into this work regardless of the place or backgrounds and that’s a major factor in how well the series impacts the reader.
Ah the American Government isn’t forgotten this issue either. What would it be if we didn’t see this stone cold woman meeting with Mister Secretary. This is interesting because while she’s a good soldier even she sees that her own Government is pretty nasty at times. Trying to blame the group she’s attacking for so many attacks, giving the people a scapegoat and the U.S. a “win” in capturing saboteurs well it really showcases the dishonesty and willingness to claim victory and keep power by any means necessary.
I loved that conversation for so many reasons. The characterization the idea of loyalties wavering just the personalities we see so clearly defined. Brian is just proving time and again he’s one of today’s most diverse and interesting writers and it’s no wonder we flock to read what he writes.
Powerfully written and beautifully illustrated this series evokes raw emotions and feelings in the reader to their fullest extent.