Ahoy Comics 2018
Written by Tom Peyer
Illustrated by Greg Scott
Coloured by Andy Troy
Lettered by Rob Steen
David Weathers dies and goes to heaven. Unfortunately, heaven is just as depressing as the fate that led him there. Disappointed by the cold reception of angry bullies, miserable caseworkers, and long-forgotten relatives, David desperately searches for a way out.
Second verse same as the first, no Herman’s Hermits are not involved here nor is it true because damnation this one is so much better than the first. If this series continues to move forward this way it may become one of my top five current ongoing books. Tom has taken me to a place that I didn’t know was possible. The writing here is utterly exceptional and the dialogue is inspired and I have to say the whole ebb & flow that has been created here showcases such talent and Chutzpah!
The opening is to die for! Ben his best friend or just co-worker who has this thing about him yeah he opens up and admit to Heather that David going to lunch to her was his doing. The funny thing about him is try that I might I cannot find him not likeable. There is just that something about him that reminds me of Don Draper though let’s face nowhere near as successful but then who really is. Still that rapscallion quality that surrounds him as well has his good looks yeah that's there.
I do very much enjoy the way that we get Ben and David’s stories being told side by side as things in Ben’s life come to light. Of course David whose infernal whining is getting not just on everyone else’s nerves but the reader’s as well. I know it’s a part of who David is, at least right now but the blokes got a serious case of woe is me. I know people like him and even when things are going well they cannot help but complain and they are toxic. Toxic to the extent that th4ey can’t even recognise their own behaviour and any attempt to help them or point it out automatically makes you a villain. Such is the extent of Tom’s writing though that he’s able to bring David to life the way he has and as much through others as his own actions.
Greg is one of my all time favourite artists. Seriously the best and most underrated man working to day slinging the pencil and inks. What he is capable of doing continues to amaze me each and every time I see his work and it always seems to be getting better and better. God knows if I could afford it I’d send him my sketchbook and ask for the entire cover be done by him that is how talented I believe him to be. His linework and the way that the varying weights are manipulated to show subtlety is gorgeous and then balancing that against some really bold moments blows me away. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcases a magnificent eye for storytelling. Then there is the way that backgrounds are being utilised to expand the moment and show us the size and scope of the book.
The one thing I can say about this is that nothing is straight up what it seems to be. Sure David’s a total wanker but hey that’s okay we all need someone we love to hate. So I am anxious to see what Tom has in store for him because there has to be some redeeming qualities to him, ones that we don’t see or at least he should find redemption in his quest to either leave heaven or ascend to a place that lets you have genitals.
This will become a Magnificent Obsession if you let it. With such strong stellar writing and stunning interiors this is a must have book.