by Randy Lander

QUEEN & COUNTRY #3 Highly Recommended (10/10) Oni Press Writer: Greg Rucka Artist: Steve Rolston Letters: Sean Konot Editor: Jamie S. Rich Price: $2.95 US/$4.50 CAN Rucka, in the course of writing his Atticus Kodiak novels, has learned a thing or two about how security works, and that means knowing the flipside, how an assassination would come down. That's coming in quite handy for this story, which is a continuation of what began in Kosovo, and finds Tara Chace being hunted by assassins. And while I stand by my early reaction to Rolston's art, finding it a bit cartoony for the action-oriented first issue... this issue, like the second one, is much more suited, and his skill with facial expressions and subtle movements makes him the perfect choice. This issue is more about personal reactions and worries, often unexpressed in text anywhere, and it's up to the artist to carry that off. I've gotten a very good feel for the type of series Rucka is aiming for in these three issues, as we see that the espionage business is like any other business. You're often forced to work with people who don't have the brains God gave a common sparrow, and they're often giving you orders that could get you in trouble... trouble for which you'll ultimately be blamed. Tara's situation is thoroughly unpleasant, and so is her boss Paul's, and although I like both characters, I find it very interesting to watch them both deal with their circumstances and try to get on with their jobs. The first issue might have given the impression that this was going to be a more realistic version of James Bond, but instead it plays out as a cross between subdued spy stories and a cop drama. Seeing Paul Crocker deal with the pressures of operating in London, including his problem with weaponry, was not much different than seeing cops working around stringent evidence laws, and Tara's role as bait is pretty much the same as a cop going undercover. Of course, there are additional wrinkles, such as Paul's relationship with the CIA and the weapons problem that is solved in an unusual manner, but in all this fits nicely into the crime stories that Rucka has written so ably before. Although it does have a feel that is slightly different, setting it apart as more than just a cop drama in espionage clothes. Although I haven't been too bothered by the bimonthly schedule of the book, I have to admit that upon reaching the last page, the thought of not seeing what happens for two months was maddening. Which I think indicates that the creators are doing their job. Email Randy Lander comments about this review.