Vertigo Comics 2018
Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Riley Rossmo
Coloured by Ivan Plascencia
Lettered by Deron Bennett
Dearest Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Margaret Mars, philanthropist, globetrotter and onetime lover of Antonio Luna. Her noble pursuit of humanitarian causes dates back to the first word she ever spoke (“Peace”), which is juxtaposed with the seven words she uttered right before being assassinated (“Who let these ninjas into my house?!”). Indeed, these seven words paint an inexplicably bizarre, yet accurate, picture of her final moments on earth. Who let these ninjas into her house, and why were they there to begin with? What business did a pack of inhuman zombie-mummy-ninjas have with Ms. Mars, and why did they murder her? Fascinating questions, none of which we have the answers to. But Ms. Mars would not want us to grieve! Ms. Mars’ will states her desire that we celebrate her life and not mourn her death (as horrific and gruesome as it may have been)! So come! Be merry and help us send off the great Maggie Mars in a way that honours her remarkable life!
Just be sure not to invite Antonio Luna.
As Val gets her first taste of Paris it is nothing like she was expecting it to be. That is how we open up the issue as she’s with Luna and things are still utterly crazy. I think this is the most fun I have had with something so off the wall interesting in a long time. I mean I have no idea what’s really going on here and to be perfectly honest I really don’t care. All I know is somehow, some way Luna got Val to travel the world with him as those who were close to Luna (family, friends and even enemies) are being killed and they always seem to be one step behind.
Joshua’s ability to tell a story is amazing to me because there is something completely special about this book. It is a far cry from normal which for me is always a bonus and the unique spotlight on our main characters well that just makes this all the more fun. I mean let’s face it isn’t that often that folks getting up there in years are the stars of a story about gallivanting across the world like this. Add in to this the characterisation and you’ve really gone overboard because as egotistical and self-centred as he is Val is level headed and has the right mix of charm and sensibility. While making them look like an old married couple and like magic the whole damn thing works.
Good god is Riley one of the best illustrators in the business and this just shows why. His style is unique, captivating and breathtaking all the same time. The work here is damn near flawlessly perfect and the moment we see Maggie Mars well I dare you to tell me differently. Should take note that Ivan’s colours here make this as complete as it is and I have not seen anyone do more justice to his work than he. The utilisation of page layouts and how that allows us to see the angles and perspective in the panels shows of a masters eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are never ignored and expand each moment beautifully.
Being with Luna is like being swept up in a twister and ending up in some bizarre version of earthly wonderland. There are lost loves, fights and mad dashes through the streets with reckless abandon. So what’s not to love about all that? Nothing that’s what this is why the Vertigo line needs to be here at this point and time in the universe so that these guys can tell a story like this.
Masterfully written and illustrated this is the type of book that you get lost in and feel like YOU went down the rabbit hole.