Ah, office politics. They exist in business, in government. Hell, they exist at the local gas station. No workplace is without its own little dramas and schemes. Now imagine an office environment in which dramas and schemes are the order of the day, a place in which manipulation of cretins and countries is routine. Rucka explores that notion in great and convincing detail, and it makes for a quiet but convincing story, balanced by the sorrowful subplot that focuses on two people struggling with the unimaginable fallout of their extreme profession.
The director of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service has suffered a stroke, and it's time for the prime minister to select a replacement. Donald Weldon, Paul Crocker's boss, is on the short list for the position, but what they don't know is that men of privilege are deciding the fate of the service behind closed doors. The decisions that arise do not bode well for Crocker, his methods, his priorities and his Minders. Meanwhile, Tara and Tom mourn the loss of their young colleague and lament the path their lives have taken.
Hawthorne has been a busy boy lately... Three Days in Europe, Whiskey Dickel, Ruule, and now a story arc on Queen & Country. The latter represents a major leap forward in his art, though. I've enjoyed his work in the past, but he really outdoes himself here. His two-page spreads are surprising and stunning, and there's a greater level of detaila nd maturity in his work here than usual. The visual style here reminds me of a cross of the moods elicited by two previous Queen & Country artists: Leandro Fernandez and Steve Rolston. There's a nice mix of simplicity and dark atmosphere, and Hawthorne captures the Minders' fatigue and frustration incredibly well.
The one flaw in this issue is actually a strength Rucka brings to the book. He's got the British intelligence lingo down incredibly well, tossing out acronym after acronym, bringing a genuine tone to the dialogue. Unfortunately, it makes for some confusion as well. It's a minor point; the overall plot is clear. I just wish I was as in the loop as these characters and Rucka.
The plot is fascinating, but it's the emotion and the atmosphere that makes the story so riveting. I couldn't help but notice an interesting contrast in the plotting. The issue opens with two rich men manipulating the system to their advantage, and later on, we see Toma nd Tara lamenting their status as lower rungs on the ladder. Another element I liked is that Crocker's "enemy," for lack of a better term, has philosophies that actually make some sense. He's thoughtful, resourceful and clearly intelligent, and though we're led to see him as a villain, I couldn't help but admire his keen mind.
