I'm behind schedule when it comes to reviewing this book, but I wasn't able to get my hands on a copy right away. This book is already sold out at Diamond Comic Distributors... I'm surprised, to be honest, that Marvel isn't breaking policy and keeping this title in stock, since the message it shares is an important one. It's why I'm looking back and reviewing it, after all.
An Israeli pilot finds he is boiling over with rage, unable to come to terms with the death of his young daughter at the hands of a Palestinian suicide bomber. In Northern Ireland, a Catholic is beaten to within an inch of his life by a prejudiced constabulary, forever scarred and crippled. And in Afghanistan, a soldier learns that unlike him, his son doesn't dream of following in his father's footsteps. These different people, in radically different parts of the world, all share a common bond... a vision of peace without violence.
The strongest story in the book is Millar's, and I think one of the reasons is that he seems to share a rather personal story about his maternal grandfather. There's no indication that this story is anything but true, but more importantly, it boasts a sense of humor and lacks the more heavy-handed, moral-of-the-story approach of the other segments. Quitely illustrates it wonderfully, capturing the period and the setting with seeming ease. The suggested alternative to war, here, is pranksterism, and it's effective and entertaining, all at once.
Jemas and Austen suggest a different approach -- empathy -- while Rees focuses on a parent's desire for something better for his or her children. They make for an interesting contrast. While one examines the notion of looking beyond oneself and identifying with one's enemy, the other delves into a notion of familial self-interest, though far from a selfish one. Both stories are a bit heavy-handed, but the strength of the message manages to overcome that quality.
There was a time when Phil Winslade's work didn't appeal to me, but I've come to appreciate it more and more lately. This is no exception. Winslade captures a strong sense of reality here, which sells the story. Salmons's less detailed, less realistic approach is just as effective, though. He captures the arid, scarred setting quite well.
What strikes me the most about this book is that it's not at all America-centric. It's not anti-American, mind you, but all three stories focus on conflict in other countries, in other cultures around the globe. It makes for a nice balance with the various Sept.11 tribute books, which beamed with American pride and tragedy.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
