Image Comics 2016
Written by Nick Spencer
Illustrated by Steve Lieber
Coloured by Ryan Hill
Lettered & Designed by Nic J Shaw
Before I even got a chance to get around to reviewing this one Image has already reported that it’s sold out and heading out for a second printing. That alone had me more than a little curious about this issue. I mean heck that’s fast to go to sell out and go for a second printing I mean it was only released four days ago, depending on how you view it. Since I’ve always been a fan of Nick and Steve’s it really didn’t surprise me and once I’d read this issue I had seen exactly why that happened. This is truly one of those books where you surely don’t expect what happens to happen. The concept and execution here is beyond perfectly flawless.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good criminal story? This one told from the thieves point of view really makes a point of how hard it is to be a traditional criminal in today’s world. I like that because with so much hi-tech stuff happening in the world with hackers and the like so prevalent and our society so dependent upon technology that is seemingly so vulnerable is something you don’t see addressed. It really is a unique point of view to see how those who aren’t tech savvy try to keep up in this fast moving world.
Not only is this fun and unique it’s wildly one of the more interesting first issues i’ve read lately. It seems that in order to make an impact nowadays you really have to have this drive, determination and talent for utilizing the tools in your arsenal to make an impression right away. Nick has that ability with his writing and it’s so flagrantly on display here you have to wonder how the man is capable of doing such things. Along with Steve whose eye for storyboarding, the use of panels and pages to tell that story, as well as attention to detail they really came out swinging.
It’s funny because the characterization here is so different than we are used to seeing, and i’m not going into detail because you really have to experience this for yourself to truly understand what i’m talking about. Sure there are some things that you instantly recognize but as the story unfolds it’s deeper and more complex and you think wait criminals acting like this? So yeah after reading this it really is no wonder why it sold out so quickly. Plus there’s a major reveal and a delightful plot twist that kind of smacks you in the face, Cher’s snap out of it line comes to mind, and suddenly the interest and intrigue skyrocket even more.
Steve and Ryan do such a magnificent job with the interiors here. Aside from being able to really capture the mood, emotion and feelings of the characters they bring so much joy to the pages. You can’t classify this as tongue in cheek or serious so the fact that they can really utilize their talents through illustration to really make this so better than if you just had words is a huge enjoyment factor.
This is an example of what Image does giving creators free reign to just put something out they love, are proud of and NEED to share with us. Boy i’m glad they are!