DC Comics Black Label 2020
Written by Jeff Lemire
Pencilled by Denys Cowan
Inked by Bill Sienkiewicz
Coloured by Chris Sotomayor
Lettered by Willie Schubert
It’s 1941, and Hub City is on the brink of a world war…and private eye Charlie Sage is on the brink of unraveling an enormous conspiracy! If he could just get that mysterious dame in red to talk-and keep his kneecaps intact, what with that strike-busting muscle coming up behind him-then maybe, just maybe, he can break the terrible cycle that keeps leading him back, through the ages, to his own death…
This is the kind of storytelling that I miss the most. Equal parts old school Vic Sage and elements from the myriad of Ghost inspired titles from the 60’s and 70’s. This is classic storytelling with a modern twist that takes us on this dark twisted tale of life, love, loss and finding oneself in the most unique manner possible. Not to mention it’s being told by a modern master of storytelling that is illustrated by classic artists that know these genres and can make them come to life in ways we could never dream of. This level and quality of storytelling is an artform in and of itself and it is something that we haven’t seen in way too long.
The way this is being told is absolutely bloody brilliant! From Vic being caught up in multiple versions of himself that span across time all starting at the behest of an elderly and wise Richard Dragon. Whom, just the fact that he’s utilised here in any capacity makes me one hell of a thrilled reader after all both come from the same world after all. The story & plot development that we see here through how the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is sensationally presented. The character development is so much more than anything we could have wanted to see. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages on this twisted near acid trip-like journey revealing the twists and turns along the way you can’t help but fall under the spell it’s weaving. How we see everything working together to create the books ebb & flow and spotlight how well this is structured makes it an even bigger joy to read.
There really isn’t any need to pontificate on the interiors here. I mean this is the cream of top, top of the hill, A number one, those vagabond shoes. Actually though I am totally in love with and enamoured by the interiors here. The linework leaves me gobsmacked and the way Bill’s signature style still let’s Deny’s shine through as well this is freaking talent folks you are not going to find much better than when it comes to this. How we see backgrounds being utilised and how they work within the composition of the panels to bring us depth perception, a sense of scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the book. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this outstandingly talented eye for storytelling. I am extremely impressed with how Chris does the colouring of this book. He has captured this whole Noir feel and tone to perfection. How we see the hues and tones within the colours to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is simply divine. Seriously how we see these minute colour changes depending on which version of Vic we see or when we see him is above and beyond.
This book showcases how DC can take their classic characters and make them relevant and important once again. This is how you revitalise a character who really regained prominence thanks to the Justice League cartoon. By utilising Richard Dragon which opens the door to his adventures as a young man down the road. This is the kind of Rebirth I want to see and see happen to so many more Charlton characters. You really aren’t going to find anything that comes close to the level of storytelling we see here.