Alignment/Short Fuse Media 2018
Created by Alfred Paige
Written by Alex De-Gruchy
Illustrated by JC Fabul
Coloured by Jorge Cortes
Lettered by Troy Peteri
The government doesn’t always make the right decisions. There are times when agendas need a more direct and personal touch. That's when Avery Davis and the Command Headquarters of Espionage and Strategic Strikes step in.
Do you know what is missing from comics these days? Well these guys do and that’s a legitimate black ops team who has no official government sanctioning and operates on a scale of their own choosing. I’m sorry but it’s about time that the shadowy organisations that act with impunity are to be taken to task and it’s this team that’s willing and able to do just that. Over the years we’ve seen strike force style books who are more superhero or anti-hero types in spandex and capes. Sure we’ve got the Joe’s but they are a government team who has a code of conduct in how they act. Neither of these things are what we need to see. What we need is a covert strike force willing to get the job done with military training and all the cool gadgets that come with it.
I like the way that this is structured. The opening is spectacular in that we definitely get to see something that grabs the readers attention and makes you want to see more. Granted it’s in Ramadi, Iraq and the soldiers that are being overrun are up against for reason you’ll have to read to see. Regardless it’s something that made me want to see more. This leads to the next part of the story and I have to say that the transitions from scene to scene are smooth and well constructed and executed. This alongside some really good, strong characterisation make for some darn fine reading.
There is an old saying that there is no honour among thieves and whether that’s true or not depends on the person you are talking to and the situation you find yourself in. But I like that we see if you screw over someone you work with then you are going to pay the consequence of your actions. So this can take someone from simple businessman and arms dealer into and underworld criminal or just someone who doesn’t like be betrayed. So really maybe there is honour among thieves or as we see here motivation is a key factor.
The interiors here are a little inconsistent but man when they shine they shine bright like a diamond. There is some incredible manipulation of linework through it’s varying weights to create bold or subtle work depending on what’s needed. Then there are times when it looks like JC is still trying to get a handle on the whole full issue on a deadline kind of thing. I go by faces, those are the standard and there are definitely times those can be lacking. Still the utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a nice eye for storytelling. The promise that I can see here is something I am going to enjoy watching grow. There is a difference in pin-ups versus interiors and I am here to tell you that the potential he has is amazingly unlimited.
This is an introductory issue in every way. I like how it’s done, how we see and meet the different factions in this world as well as the creative team. This is the joy of getting to see a small/indie press book in action. Is this the best thing out there, no it isn’t but what it is is entertaining and different plus it has that quality to it that makes you want to know and see more. The talent involved here is such that you want to root for them, you want to see them grow and evolve into that promise we see in these pages. I really like how the story introduces us to the team and the strong characterisation along with the story/plot development make this one to watch!
Short Fuse Media has some kick-ass titles coming out and you all need to make sure your local shoppes carry them or head over to https://www.shortfusemediagroup.com/ and order for yourself.