Of the two original graphic novels (yes, two in one week... a welcome development) released by Image Comics this week, this is easily the stronger one. The writers celebrate pulp adventure stories of yesteryear as well as the classic monsters from literature and movies. The timing of this book's release couldn't be better. This action-packed tale, with its many supernatural elements yet lighter attitude and over-the-top villains, will definitely appeal to those who enjoyed Hellboy, both the comic book and the big-screen adaptation that's being received so well by mainstream audiences right now.
It's early in the Great War, and America has yet to enter the fray, but there is a handful of Yanks who have signed on to fight the Kaiser's forces on behalf of the French. Among them is Jack Shannon, a cocky but effective pilot whose recklessness has brought him to the attention of British intelligence. Jack is paired with British occult expert Archie Caldwell to enter Germany's Black Forest, where the Germans' supernatural operations are headquartered. There, they must contend with werewolves, vampires and resurrected monsters, not to mention the feminine wiles of a couple of exotic beauties.
Livingston and Tinnell's plot never lets up. It's all about action, attitude and imagination, and the reader can't help but get caught up in the frenzied and fun storytelling. The writers balance the time between the various protagonists nicely, allowing all of them to shine. Initially, one expects this to be all about Jack Shannon, but the Archie character is thoroughly charming and colorful, albeit in a quieter manner than Jack. The monster who changes sides by the end of the story also boasts a certain appealing quality as well.
As strong as the plotting here is, it pales in comparison to Neil Vokes's artwork. I'm reminded immediately of Paul Smith's imaginative and light work from Leave It to Chance, but there's a hazier, haunted quality in Vokes's efforts here that set it apart. The character designs are fantastic and striking. I particularly love the vampire designs, which are clearly inspired by the original Nosferatu picture from the early days of film. The black-and-white approach serves this story well, reinforcing not only the supernatural elements of the story but the pulp feel as well. Given his work on this book and last year's Parliament of Justice (also from Image), I'm at a loss as to why Vokes isn't highly sought after these days by other publishers for higher profile projects.
There are a couple of delightful reveals in this book that add a great deal to the fun. A couple of them are conventional but they work all the same, but there's one in particular that really enhanced my overall appreciated of the story. It's one worthy of Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
