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DEADLINE #4
Recommended (7/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: Bill Rosemann
Artist: Guy Davis
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Price: $2.99 US/$4.75 CAN |
Bill Rosemann's best known in the comics industry as Marvel's ham-fisted hype machine. He brings a lot of fun and personality to that role, but in Deadline, he shows there's a lot more to him than simple ad and PR pitches. He brings a down-to-earth, human tone to the streets of Marvel's New York City, and thanks to Guy Davis, the book boasts a dark, mature atmosphere as well.
After the cops arrive at her apartment to investigate the break-in, Kat, a reporter who covers the exploits of colorful figures that most consider heroes, has a heart-to-heart with one of her personal heroes. She also has an epiphany about the Judge, quickly realizing what the missing piece of the puzzle is... or to be more precise, who it is. Kat, the Judge and the man responsible for the mess they're all in meet in a climactic encounter on a New York rooftop.
This story has blended a supernatural atmosphere with a gritty, urban one, and as is readily apparent, Guy Davis excels in both. The ghostly tone and characters collide with realistic, human ones, and the contrast makes for a layered, almost surreal read. And I'm quite pleased that Davis's portrayal of Kat isn't as some buxom bombshell, reinforcing the reality of her character. And though Greg Horn's realistic covers are lovely, I wish his vision of Kat was more in keeping with Davis's frumpy portrayal of her.
In this issue, the old comic-book version of journalism rears its head -- you know, the kind that sees Lois Lane busting up criminal enterprises instead of just writing about it -- but it's certainly in keeping with the natural direction of the plot. Fortunately, Rosemann still manages to include some real-world journalism qualities here... mostly through Kat's narration. Despite the fantastic circumstances of the story, her "voice" gives the story a grounded, thoroughly believable tone.
I have to admit that in this last chapter, the motivation of the character who served as the story's catalyst really doesn't click for me. It's not something to which one can relate, but given that it arises out of the more fantastic nature of a world of super-heroes, it's fairly easy to get past it. The real strength of the book is the characterization. Rosemann's presentation of Kat and the other Bugle staffers rings true, and I hope we see more of them in future limited series.
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