Image Comics 2016
Written by Brian Azzarello
Illustrated by Eduardo Risso
Colour Assists by Cristian Rossi
Lettered & Designed by Jared K. Fletcher
It’s like an immovable object meets an unstoppable force as both sides refuse to be swayed from their current course. Then there’s poor Lou caught up in the middle with nowhere to turn and no one to trust. What Brian has managed to do here is stunningly spectacular as he continues to weave through all three points of view.
It would’ve been more than enough to have Mr. Holt and his family just be that kind of inbred simple country folk who had a penchant for moonshine and violence. I mean Tempest has Lou completely under her spell and he’s a man not used this and thanks to the events that transpire this issue not only do we get to learn more about him but we can see his future. Not to mention the fact that he must’ve made Tempest very happy with the size of it. That Brian takes this to that whole Grindhouse type of place just elevates this to a new realm.
Plus we’ve got the Mob on the other side and let’s face it when a Don wants something he’ll do whatever he can to get it. That we see more of them this issue and how similar in type they are to Mister Hoyt yeah it’s kind of that uncanny parallel that should strike fear into the hearts of folks. The confrontation that is bound to happen between the families makes me crazy with anticipation and that’s before all the violence. I mean just a meeting between the heads of the families is something i’m dying to see.
Eduardo’s interiors here are incredible! His eye for storytelling is amazing and his use of page layouts utilising angles, perspective and backgrounds brings that right mix of fear and excitement to the story. The nudity here is appreciated because well in this day and age i mean c’mon it shouldn’t be a big deal. There really is so much sheer emotion that comes from each panel of each page it’s so hard not to get caught up in this.
The level of storytelling here is simply amazing to be a part of. From the way this book is structured to it’s execution and through all the spot on characterisation there’s nothing about this that can find which is negative. The drama, tension and all around tone and feel of this book continues to thrill time and again.