Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Garth Ennis
Illustrated by Craig Cermak
Coloured by Vinicius Andrade
Lettered by Rob Steen
With Trudy's life hanging in the balance, Eddie's behavior grows increasingly dangerous- until a new angle on the Eric Nightingale case sends him into uncharted waters. Meanwhile, another threat to Red Team emerges- this one from within, and entirely unforeseen.
Well when we open this issue it’s hot on the heels of Trudy getting shot and everyone is at the hospital. When Trudy’s boyfriend Andrew shows up things get incredibly tense. Though I have to say Carla’s response to him is priceless! What Garth is doing here is pretty remarkable from a story standpoint. It’s very much a strong cop drama that represents the life they lead incredibly well and it still has this whole past they need to overcome aspect that keeps them in a place where you can’t tell if things happen coincidentally or not.
The characterisation and story advancement here are pretty strong. The Captain has her reservations on these two but she’s also willing to see things through as they are playing out and Eddie is a good cop at the core regardless how he was left with her. So that she’s willing to go out on a limb like this for him really does show strength of character. I like the unexpected moments that come into play here as Eddie has go through things while Trudy is recovering. Garth has always been a smart storyteller and this is no exception as what should be one thing has branched out to a few simultaneous threads all going through each other.
Vinicius does some outstanding work on the interiors here. The use of page layouts utilising angles, perspective and backgrounds add a weight and strength the story that you don’t expect. I love that Eddie looks so handsome and even with blood spatter on his face. I really like the realness of the characters the facial expressions they have and how that gives them an added dimension to their characterisation.
Oh we knew that at least one part of this issue was going to happen though for the life of me I really wish I’d been wrong about it. This is the kind of complication that really wasn’t needed but then again considering the history here it’s completely on track. So we’ll have to wait for next issue and after to see the ramifications.
There’s a great intensity to the storytelling here through both words and pictures. That it’s high in the intrigue, drama and procedural aspects of their lives it makes for that incredibly well rounded book. I also like the fact that this is a nine issue maxi-series, goodness how i’ve missed these, so that Garth can take his time and write it the way he needs to tell it with all the bells, whistles, twists and turns needed.
This is more an experience that you can talk about once all parties have read it otherwise saying too much ruins it.