Paul Grist has been turning heads with his indy-press comics storytelling for years now. Jack Staff is a wonderful multi-genre effort, and I finally got around to including the first two Kane trade paperbacks in my graphic-novel library. A couple of months back, a listing in Previews for a new Grist opus, Burglar Bill, caught my eye. With talent like Grist's and a quirky title, placing a pre-order for the first issue was a no-brainer.
Grist's minimalist yet inventive storytelling is to be found here once again, and his simple, unconventional style is always a pleasure. The story is actually a bit surprising, as this debut issue isn't about the title character, but rather about someone on the other side of the law. This subdued story has certainly piqued my interest, but I still really don't know what to make of it yet.
Crime is up in the city, and the the chief inspector has the constabulary patrolling the streets, keeping an eye out for... kids stealing car radios. Meanwhile, Bill Wadsley is trotting about the city's rooftops, a satchel slung over his shoulder and a mask on his face. The daring young burglar soon finds himself pursued by a wide-eyed, ambitious young bobby, and before he's caught, he dumps his loot with a neighboorhood friend.
Oddly enough, one of the most unique and dynamic elements of Grist's visuals is the lettering. In an industry dominated by digital lettering, Grist's slightly crude print catches the eye, and exclamations leap out of the art and take on a life of their own. His artwork puts one in mind of such artists as Herg (Tintin), Paul (Leave It to Chance) Smith and Kyle (The Cowboy Wally Show) Baker. There are moments when Grist breaks out of his cartoony style and captures a noir realism that adds depth and a deliciously dark atmosphere to the story.
Grist's script seems to be purposely nebulous. While it's a little confusing at times, it also fosters an air of mystery. The reader is given no hint as to what Burglar Bill has stolen -- if, in fact, it's stolen at all -- or what Carter will do with the package. My interest is definitely piqued, but I was also expecting to see the title character in action in some way. In a fashion, the title of the series promises something of a caper, but it's not to be found... not yet anyway.
What I found surprising, perplexing yet intriguing about this debut issue is that the story, at least at this early juncture, is not about "Burglar Bill" at all. The focus is squarely on Const. Stephen Hill and his first night walking a beat. He's a well-realized character, one to whom it is easy to relate. We've all had that first job, that feeling that we don't know what the hell we're doing and that disappointment of a dream not living up to expectations.
