Chapterhouse Comics 2018
Written by Anthony Falcone & Aaron Feldman
Pencilled by Sergio Carrera
Inked by Federico Iglesias
Coloured by Vaneda Vireak
Lettered by Andrew Thomas
Special agent Phil Wise stole the high-tech energy weapon known as the Uniband from Michael Evans’ Equilibrium group during an undercover investigation into Evans’ schemes. Phil then used that power in service to P.A.C.T., Canada’s Paranormal Activity Containment Team, to become the superhero known as Northguard. After a successful mission against the fanatical Aurora Dawn cult, Northguard was forced into retirement when the rampaging alien Pharos ripped his arm from his body. Now equipped with a high-tech prosthetic arm by Equilibrium, Wise is back in the suit — and has already been targeted by the assassin Wolf, and drawn the attention of the CIA…
First of all kudos for doing something I wasn’t quite prepared for which is starting me off in one place and ending in a totally different mind space. The depiction of a U.S. Senator so dead set against anything which the United States cannot control coming into their borders yeah that’s completely on par with the reality of the world we live in, forget Big Brother, it’s Big Bully is watching you. Sometimes you don’t even have to pretend with subtlety and just go for the jugular of truth.
When we get past the opening which is one of the few that is a sheer standout, we get to the buddy portion of today’s proceedings. Garcia is the least likely action hero around and I’m not trying to be mean but c’mon now sure he’s smart and sure he’s funny and as a CIA agent has his uses but in an in-shape fighter is not among those qualities. I for one am quite alright with that too. I will say however that this is when the action starts in earnest.
One of the things that I really like about this is that it is for intents and purposes FUN! From the way the two old friends talk to one another, stellar dialogue, to the teasing about hairlines and whom Phil has a crush on. This is the grown up buddy feature that Blue & Gold never was and wasn’t given the chance to become. In all seriousness this is well constructed and executed book that not only has that superhero edge to it but doesn’t take itself too seriously at the same time.
The interior artwork here is really good too. The way page layouts are used and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels is extremely well done and show a solid eye for storytelling. I like the attention to detail that we see and the last page is where everything comes together. I’m thrilled by the utilisation of backgrounds here as they really do wonders in expanding the story in every panel they appear. The faces, facial expressions and body language which are so essential to furthering the characterisation are extremely well utilised here.
The assassin known as Wolf who has crossed paths with Northguard in the past has set his sights on Garcia. Then there’s also the idea that he’s also after the esteemed U.S. Senator from Arizona Vanessa Walsh. With a dangerous assassin on the loose gunning for what feels like everyone how are Garcia and Northguard going to keep the peace? Something about all this just doesn’t seem to add up but what is it? Oh there are answers but you’ll have to read the issue to find out what they are.
Chapterhouse has a built in universe full of characters who know each other and when necessary will work alongside each other. Very quietly they’ve created something strong, interesting full of the kind of characters that we want to read about. With solid writing, pacing and characterisation alongside some really nice interior artwork you shouldn’t be sleeping on this!