Aftershock Comics 2016
Created & Written by Adam Glass
Illustrated by Patrick Olliffe
Coloured by Gabe Eltaeb
Lettered by Sal Cipriano
Annie Oakley has been SHOT, Jack Johnson and Houdini taken HOSTAGE by none other than the mysterious Russian named Rasputin. Teddy Roosevelt is left with only Thomas Edison by his side, whom he can neither trust nor depend on. Secrets are revealed, alliances created and bonds are broken, as Roosevelt must decide if rescuing his friends is worth losing the WAR over.
We open right after Annie was shot and I have to say this the kind of characterization I like because Teddy comes off as a Bull of a man. Determined, capable and set in his ways with his mind focused and on the prize. That’s the kind of man I think he was, from the myriad of available documentaries i’ve seen. By contrast that Annie herself has no filter and says what’s on her mind regardless of it’s appropriate or not is wonderful.
I’m really also enjoying the characterization between Johnson and Houdini both of whom are for me more of a blank slate and so long as there are certain aspects in play their personalities are more wide open. I think it was a very well thought out concoction of characters to be chosen for this version of the Rough Riders. Heck even the well I don’t want to say more controversial choice of Eidson over Tesla but even Thomas brings his own unique perspective to the table as well as fun experiments on a human body with electricity.
So while the mysterious light has been noticed and the the slug creature coming out of the ear of Spain’s General Teddy has to face another problem. One history has very much had him a part of. Can he trust his team to go ahead without him while he serves his country and does he really have a choice in the matter? Still before that I love that Annie, ever the one to demand answers, finally gets Teddy and Thomas to come clean about a few things and one of the real reasons they are here.
So there are a few things that happen which I can’t talk about because why spoil it suffice to say Rasputin isn’t forgotten and as this story begins to take an even more wild turn into the weird it gets that much better. Adam’s telling one heck of alternate history story that while is surprisingly accurate is also much more thrilling than you’d imagine it could be. Also as I see it this is just the first in many adventures of the Rough Riders.
Patrick’s interiors are pretty darn fantastic. He’s got a strong eye for storytelling, how the book needs to flow, use of angles and perspective and use of faces/facial expressions to really get the characters meanings and intentions shine. OH and the ear slug that we see close up yeah that’s a nice bit of creativity and imagination on display, Gabe brings that to life with an interesting palate. Would I like more backgrounds yes but the work done here is really good and continues to make this a must read series.
Imaginative, creative and some of the best use of alternate history we’ve seen in quite some time this unlikely band of heroes comes to life with an expertise from it’s creators.