Udon Entertainment 2015
Written by Ken Siu-Chong
Illustrated by Joe NG
Coloured by Espen Grundetjern
Flats by Ludwig Olimba
Lettered by Marshall Dillon
The sign of a good book is that you get excited when you see it. Sure months in advance you’re like oh okay that’s out good but when it comes time to read it and you see it and you get genuinely happy about it that’s when you know it’s a good book. Today for example I have a large selection to choose from and yet here we are because I couldn’t wait to get to it. This coming from a previously loosely based fan.
When I saw the first page and saw Chun Li in action in this incredibly well detailed what I want to see in animated movies style artwork I knew i’d come home. It’s simple as that sometimes, a page of artwork to accompany a story where you find yourself comfortable and happy.
So I have to say the dialogue and revelations during the Chun Li segment were great! Yes Vega has indeed kind of elevated himself and is kind of dressing like his old boss, Bison whom I still think is alive and watching from the sidelines, but it’s his attitude and words that really make this worthwhile. Ken goes above and beyond here with the dialogue and characterization to the point where not only are we captivated but spellbound by the kind of man Vega has become. So much so we want more and more of him. Creepy, androgynous to a degree (well you can’t tell his sexuality from this anyway) and just the kind of stuff that keeps me involved in the story.
Ryu’s journey to find a way to keep the darkness inside him under control continues. We opened the series with this and it’s nice to see it again but with everything else we’ve been introduced to i’ve got to admit that it’s probably the least interesting to me right now. Even with this issue’s revelations I might add.
Ken is doing a wonderful job here with writing this story. Just the way he’s able to weave these separate story arcs into each other showcases the kind of talent he has. Not only that but what he’s able to do within the arcs that continue to surprise, shock and twist what we think is happening into something completely different well yeah it’s quite impressive.
I know this is based on one of the world’s most popular and long lasting video games, I mean from before it was in the house but in an Arcade, and a lot of people might think this isn’t going to be for them because of that but let me tell ya that isn’t the case. There’s a complex story happening here and the characters have lives, jobs, trials and tribulations to overcome so there really is more than meets the eye here.
With strong characterization, interesting plot developments and some incredible interior artwork this series is for a wide range of readers.