The creative team behind last year's amazing Skinwalkers limited series reunites to tell another strong, character-driven story. This is a different kind of foray into the crime genre, though, as it focuses less on the crimes themselves and more on the people whose lives intersect as a result. The writers spotlight injustice within the justice system and the harsh lifestyles it sets out for those who enforce the rules. With this latest story, DeFilippis and Weir establish themselves as a major creative force in modern comics, and I'm looking forward to their upcoming New Mutants ongoing series.
Rey Quintana's a guy who made some mistakes in the past, but he's managed to get his life back on track. He's in college and has a good girl at his side... one he's deserpate to please, so desperate that he makes another one of those stupid mistakes. Meanwhile, ex-cop Noah Conway ekes out a bail enforcer, tracking down guys who skip bail on behalf of their bondsmen. He's good at his job, which is more than one can say for his role as a father and ex-husband. These two lives are about to collide, and Rey faces some serious prison time thanks to California's three strikes law.
Hurtt's depiction of Conway reminds me of the style of Joe (E-Man) Staton. He's struck upon a simple design that conveys so much about the man. One can immediately see that he's gruff, tired, tough and shielded. One can easily see how vulnerable and frightened that Rey is, and his mother's eyes betray her feelings of protectiveness and disappointment. Hurtt's gritty style suits the tone of this story quite well, and the background detail really reinforces the grounded, realistic tone of the tale.
OK, just between you and me... I am Rey Quintana, or I could have been. Any one of us could be. I've made mistakes that could have changed the course of my life, had I been caught. And there were other blunders for which I was caught that helped point me in the right direction. The greatest strength of this story is how easy it is to see oneself in Rey. He's a decent guy who's had moments of stupidity in an otherwise smart and good life.
Conway represents the other side of the coin. He's a guy who's followed the rules and made sacrifices, but nevertheless, his life is a rather ugly, awkward thing. He empathize with Rey, and we symnpathize with Noah. He's an imposing figure who seems to be living an exciting, unconventional life, but it lacks the rewards one might expect. I can't wait to see how Rey and Noah impact one another's life and conscience.
