This was my first exposure to the world of Violent Messiahs. I picked up a couple of back issues cheap recently, as I'd heard some interesting things about the book, but I hadn't gotten around to reading them. Too bad, as knowledge of what's come before is definitely integral to one's full appreciation of the story and characters. Despite the accessibility problems, though, Dysart injects this new limited series with some strong characterization and ideas, and the design for the new blade-wielding vigilante is slick, sexy and striking.
In the wake of the mysterious events at the North End Mansion that apparently saw two revered but vicious vigilantes snuffed out of existence, Rankor Island has been plunged into chaos. Its poor citizens are rioting, crying out for the void left by the apparent death of Citizen Pain to be filled. Their cries are answered, when a new figure -- Scalpel -- hits the scene. That prompts the mayor to press Lt. Cheri Major -- who's under suspension, under investigation and under the care of a psychiatrist -- back into active duty in order to deal with the problem.
Rodriguez's artwork is nicely detailed, and he certainly manages to develop a tense, eerie mood while still keeping the setting looking like the real world. The design for Scalpel is, if you'll pardon the pun, sharp. The mask has an alien appearance, and it helps to separate the character even more from the everyday human experience. The other characters, though, aren't nearly as visually interesting. Aside from Cheri Major, the other characters all boast far too exaggerated features. They're caricatures, not characters, really.
Just below the Image logo on the cover, right under the "1 of 4" box, the words "Violent Messiahs 9" are written. Make no mistake... though this is a new story arc and shifts focus, this is very much a continuation of what has come before, and those unfamiliar with it will be left scratching their heads through at least the first half of this issue. I really wish Dysart had provided some exposition to bring new readers up to speed and to refresh the memories of fans of the book.
About halfway through this book, it seemed pretty clear I wasn't going to enjoy much about it. And then we start to get a clearer picture of who Cheri Major is. Suddenly, I was far more interested. The character reminds me of Carrie Stetko from the award-winning Whiteout limited series by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber. Cheri comes off as a regular person who's both overwhelmed and fed up with what's gone on around her. And Scalpel is a thoroughly creepy character who evokes a sense of real danger and psychosis.
