Aftershock Comics 2016
Created & Written by Brian Azzarello
Illustrated, Lettered & Logo Design by Juan Doe
Alright sometimes the oddest thing happens and you have no idea what’s going on but you can’t stop reading. I mean Brian’s this utterly amazing writer and he’s definitely one where I don’t even attempt to think ahead and try to figure anything out. It’s pretty pointless he’s one of those you just have to enjoy the ride, take it all in and wait for it to start making sense. In the meantime there’s just some incredible characterization, interesting characters and a town where nothing is what it seems.
First of all who names their kid Snow, well aside from the Brother’s Grimm? Well obviously Brian does and she’s a pistol. I love her attitude, she’s sassy, irreverent and on the sly actually pretty smart. The dialogue with her mother as she’s being woken up for school demonstrates just how incredibly good Brian is at this writing gig. It’s pretty obvious that there’s a lot of tension between mother and daughter and the little taste of them here this issue really makes me happy, anxious and looking forward to seeing this explored more.
Now she and her friends there seems to be some disconnect there. Out of all of them she seems to be the most, well let’s call it street smart or dare I say worldly. All I can figure out is that Snow’s really the only one among them curious about what happened last issue and seems to have some investment in it. Doesn’t really bother me much as seeing with her with her friends was a nice opportunity to really help get to know her a little better. Some nice characterization happening to be sure.
I will say though that I really rather enjoyed getting to know Deputy Gary. From his questioning Theodore Montclare. Granted this guy’s a grade weirdo and he’s definitely a shady character and after the business last issue with the car and what we learn this issue. Back to Gary he’s gung ho to do his job and the man in charge, his boss the Sheriff, is pretty darn small town sheriff lazy. Oh yeah and his status in the town, well according to Peggy at the diner with the dry Meatloaf, well that’s something else too. I gotta say the more I read through this issue the more the characterization and the dialogue keep me not only entertained but seriously wanting more.
Then there’s everything else we see this issue. Theodore’s actions, the dead dog, Snow’s dad and business, uhm contact?, all of it conspires to create this incredibly small complex town that reeks of corruption. Maybe it’s me, that i’m projecting but then again maybe it’s just me being astute, yes i’m hoping for the latter, but hello and goodbye this is the kind of writing and story that a reader can eat up, read multiple times and still find something new to obsess on or have revealed.
Then there’s Juan’s interiors. They are gritty and dark and full of this life and expression that really sinks its teeth into the story. His style here is utterly fantastic and completely suited to the story. It really does add this whole dimension to what’s going on. Plus his eye for pages and panel layouts highlighting everything you need to see is amazingly well done.
With stories like this one Aftershock is the hottest company of 2016 and it looks like it’s only going to get better.