Image Comics 2015
Written by Sam Humphries
Illustrated by Tommy Patterson
Coloured by Jon Alderink
Lettered by Rachel Deering
Okay so i’ve been enjoying the heck out of this series so far it’s been delightfully wacky and unpredictable but Sam turns up the volume on that right here! Sam isn’t holding anything back and I gotta say the opening here just took things to a whole new level story wise. While we’ve all wondered how some candidates end up on the campaign trail and with the circus that is currently all around the American media’s current focus on candidates this was a pure joy to read.
I have to say the characterization we get from Donna Forsyth in the opening really sparks a fire in her. I love the revelations here from the most unexpected of places. I like how this sets up what we see from her throughout the remainder of this issue.
The characterization excellence continues with Jack here as well. From seeing him being this hokey guy to scared and alone to fully embracing Marlinspike and killing his father we’ve seen him transform so much so far. His current attitude of being this aggressive and violent suit wearer isn’t the man the public fell for and Donna knows that and wants to get him back there but he’s also a complete mess.
Suddenly it seems that Jack has developed something of a conscious suddenly and what he’s going through he no longer wants. It’s too bad that Marlinspike is so deeply embedded in him and while we don’t understand exactly what’s happening with him, if you read this you’ll see what I mean, it’s abundantly clear that something is fundamentally changing within Jack. The amount of constant change in him has been astounding and seeing the continued change in him has been one of the highlights of this so far.
Cricket has taken a large role in this issue and he’s a larger than life character. With a Dolphin, out of water, sitting in the news chair and having been beaten by Jack he’s got strong opinions. He’s a also pretty much a man when it comes to his personality so seeing him this issue and what he goes through and does well I gotta say this is why I love Sam. Don’t take what you know as gospel or for granted because everything in this series can change on a dime.
Tommy’s interior work is pretty much as inspired as is the writing. I love what the brings to the table here. The use of pages and panels, the way he’s able to show the wolves Jack’s acquired and the almost cartoon like visage of Cricket showcases a range of skill that’s impressive. Also his use of backgrounds and the attention to detail is wonderful and that sometimes it’s downright series and others more cartoony well that’s just perfect.
Sometimes Image surprises you with what they put out. This is one of those instances where it’s so off the wall crazy and yet completely relevant to what’s happening in the world that it is perfect for the here and now.