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SHOT CALLERZ #1
Recommended (8/10)
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Oni Press
Writer: Gary Phillips
Artist: Brett Weldele
Letters: John Dranksi
Editor: James Lucas Jones
Price: $2.95 US/$4.50 CAN |
Thieves and killers in the dark corners of urban California... it's a far cry from a small town in the Canadian Maritime provinces. Phillips and Weldele manage to overcome that cultural barrier, though, and carry me into a dangerous place that operates on a different set of rules. This is a strong crime comic, and comparisons to Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso's amazing 100 Bullets series from DC/Vertigo are unavoidable... and well deserved.
Nea was a thief in love... until her lover, Philip, betrayed her and shot her in the back at a robbery. She manages to survive, though, but it costs her a month of her life and the attention of someone she helped Philip rip off. Now she's looking for revenge while Mr. Nox is looking for his money.
Weldele's work here isn't as dense as what we saw in Brian Wood's Couscous Express. It's a fair sight brighter as well. That's not a criticism, though. Weldele simply seems to have adapted his style somewhat. Given the tone of the plot and script, it makes for an unusual tone... kind of like a reverse film-noir atmosphere. His sketchy style reinforces the nastier aspects of the characters and circumstances, and it boasts a gritty realism. It also reminds me of Guy Davis's work somewhat, and Weldele shows a strong eye for perspective and anatomy.
Phillips has a sharp scripting style. He conveys the harsher reality of these characters lives and what they're able to do with crystal clarity through the narration. A theme forms in Nea's narrative voice, one that's driven home time and time again: one can't take anything for granted. One mistake -- one moment of trust -- has cost her everything, and repeatedly, we see that when others make everyday assumptions, it comes back to bite them in the ass.
The greatest strength of the book, though, is the protagonist. She's no heroine, mind you; she uses people and is looking out for herself and no one else. But one can't help but admire the character. She's savvy, confident and resourceful. Those qualities overpower her self-centered, vengeful side, making for a compelling character and a compelling read.
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