The Old Guard #1
Image Comics 2017
Written by Greg Rucka
Illustrated by Leandro Fernandez
Coloured by Daniela Miwa
Lettered by Jodi Wynne
The story of old soldiers who never die…and yet cannot seem to fade away. Trapped in an immortality without explanation, Andromache of Scythia—“Andy”—and her comrades ply their trade for those who can find—and afford—their services. But in the 21st century, immortality is a hard secret to keep, and when you live long enough, you learn that there are many fates worse than death.
So of course with Rucka writing this I knew I was going to read it what I wasn’t expecting however was what I did read. This was actually kind of harshly stark, honest and deceptively transparent all at the same time. I mean okay sure we knew that at some point this was going to happen but not in the opening as we get to see these characters for the first time.
I do like that we get to see them the way we do, specially Andy as she’s one hell of a character. The characterisation is strong and we get a good sense of who she is and how her interactions with the others make her the boss. Also there’s plenty of room for exploration from what’s introduced to us and that we see is a base it’s just smartly done. Also having lived as long as they have I wonder if they all partake in pleasures of the flesh with anyone that suits the moments fancy. Immortality to me would suggest that sex is something for fun and exercise and gender preference is something only thought of in the moment.
There is something about the idea of what they do that intrigues me. I guess if you are a warrior and that’s how you discovered your immortality then you’d spend lifetimes honing that. You need money to live and even more of it to hide so the specifics here are what fascinate and it’s something we get nothing of. It’s the fact that what Greg has introduced and then let the reader run off with their imagination on the subject is something he’s good at. As the story goes on i’m sure we’ll learn more about them and how they’ve not been found out but until then it’s like a guarantee that the reader will be back.
The artwork is interesting to me. Themen anyway are not what I’d consider attractive by any stretch of the imagination and yet they have this unique charm to their features. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective are nicely done. When the backgrounds are utilised to their fullest it works best and the mood, tone and feel they provide are invaluable.
First issues are tricky business you want to get folks excited about your book, not reveal too much and find that precarious balance where you hook the reader. Fortunately Greg’s such a talented writer and this is textbook first issue goodness. I’m intrigued to see where this is going to go moving forward and eager to learn about their pasts and how they are going to deal with the events we see this issue. Plus how did they obtain their immortality and can their job or lives ever be finished? So much to look forward to folks!
Image Comics 2017
Written by Greg Rucka
Illustrated by Leandro Fernandez
Coloured by Daniela Miwa
Lettered by Jodi Wynne
The story of old soldiers who never die…and yet cannot seem to fade away. Trapped in an immortality without explanation, Andromache of Scythia—“Andy”—and her comrades ply their trade for those who can find—and afford—their services. But in the 21st century, immortality is a hard secret to keep, and when you live long enough, you learn that there are many fates worse than death.
So of course with Rucka writing this I knew I was going to read it what I wasn’t expecting however was what I did read. This was actually kind of harshly stark, honest and deceptively transparent all at the same time. I mean okay sure we knew that at some point this was going to happen but not in the opening as we get to see these characters for the first time.
I do like that we get to see them the way we do, specially Andy as she’s one hell of a character. The characterisation is strong and we get a good sense of who she is and how her interactions with the others make her the boss. Also there’s plenty of room for exploration from what’s introduced to us and that we see is a base it’s just smartly done. Also having lived as long as they have I wonder if they all partake in pleasures of the flesh with anyone that suits the moments fancy. Immortality to me would suggest that sex is something for fun and exercise and gender preference is something only thought of in the moment.
There is something about the idea of what they do that intrigues me. I guess if you are a warrior and that’s how you discovered your immortality then you’d spend lifetimes honing that. You need money to live and even more of it to hide so the specifics here are what fascinate and it’s something we get nothing of. It’s the fact that what Greg has introduced and then let the reader run off with their imagination on the subject is something he’s good at. As the story goes on i’m sure we’ll learn more about them and how they’ve not been found out but until then it’s like a guarantee that the reader will be back.
The artwork is interesting to me. Themen anyway are not what I’d consider attractive by any stretch of the imagination and yet they have this unique charm to their features. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective are nicely done. When the backgrounds are utilised to their fullest it works best and the mood, tone and feel they provide are invaluable.
First issues are tricky business you want to get folks excited about your book, not reveal too much and find that precarious balance where you hook the reader. Fortunately Greg’s such a talented writer and this is textbook first issue goodness. I’m intrigued to see where this is going to go moving forward and eager to learn about their pasts and how they are going to deal with the events we see this issue. Plus how did they obtain their immortality and can their job or lives ever be finished? So much to look forward to folks!
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