Vault Comics 2017
Written by Ricardo Mo
Illustrated by Tony Gregori
Coloured by Claudia Aguirre
Lettered by Ryan Ferrier
With recent developments raising questions about Sully's backstory, he's hoping that a visit to a shaman can provide some answers. But with an otherworldly hitwoman closing in, and a deadly confrontation on the cards, perhaps he should be more concerned about the present. How many more hearts will break in the story of Sullivan Husk?
Well seriously what is there about this NOT to enjoy? Nothing because in all the ways that matter the way this is being told is fantastic. The opening for this issue demonstrates that beautifully as we’ve got Sullivan talking to Andre about the Man and needing to see him. It’s all very hey these are the rules and Sullivan breaking them because well that’s just who he is. Oh and seeing that dog licking himself yeah that’s kind of exactly the sort of thing just adds flavour to the book.
Now I’m sorry, wait no I'm not, walking in on that should’ve terrified everyone as well as been one of those moments where you stare transfixed trying to figure exactly what it is you are looking at. Still they’ve come seeking answers from this man and thankfully he’s in an obliging mood. What’s that saying, don’t ask if you can’t handle the truth well that certainly applies here and whether they like it or not the truth is revealed.
I love the way this book is structured and how the ebb & flow of it and the way it transitions from one part to the next is so well done. That who we see on this joyride can be surprising not only that but the whole way that this revolves around Sullivan and Sophie well hell I wasn’t expecting this in the form of an origin style backstory but hell in a hand basket I’ll surely take it as such. Who knew this was going to be this off the wall in nature and yet still incredibly strong and powerful as a story in itself?
Toni has a nice style to his artwork it’s bold a little different and fairly expressive. Kudos to Claudia on being to colour this as nicely as she does. While that pin-up page earlier was at an interesting angle don’t be afraid of showing off that part of the anatomy in the future. The use of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective showcase a solid eye for storytelling. I love the use of backgrounds here not to mention the imagination and creativity we see as well.
So I have to say I do enjoy the fact that continually throughout this issue Ricardo manages to not only throw one surprise after another at us but that it seems like this how his life is everyday of the week. Even with Sophie by his side which coincidentally also changes his behaviour and how he sees things as well as this young lady does herself. The characterisation here is absolutely stellar stuff and as we continue on I cannot wait to see how Sullivan continues to make his choices with everything we’ve learned today.
I keep reading and reviewing more and more smaller press companies and it’s for a reason, they don’t get as much love or attention from retailers or diamond as they deserve and honestly they produce some of the best stories on stands today. From the concept, which is a killer next step in the merging of technology and the supernatural, to it’s execution this has been one of the more pleasant surprises.
Unique, full of sass and bravado this is one that have on the edge of your seat.