The Rinse #2

The first issue of The Rinse was a solid outing.  It brought us into the world of money laundering and what could easily become a convoluted and complicated explanation of the world and what it entails instead was boiled down into a simple, easy to understand explanation.  Instead we’re given Sinclair who is dragged into a game that might be out of control hiding now from both the mob and the government.

What I’ve really liked about the first two issues is that on top of the action and all that’s going on, there’s still a focus on Sinclair.  He’s a pretty fleshed out character with lots of small details and quarks making another noir character stand out a bit from the pack.  The second issue also expands upon his world, dragging in friends and giving us a hint as to how Sinclair entered and got involved in the world of money laundering.

The art is solid and adds to the feel of the comic quite well.  The art doesn’t blow me away or having that gritty feel you sometimes get with crime comics, but instead reminds me more of something you’d find in a 70s cop show.  That’s not a knock at all, I really do enjoy the look and feel.

My one issue is there are a lot of moving parts to the series.  That means a lot of characters and a lot of sub-plots.  Reading each issue on their own I found myself having to go back and remember who was who and how everyone was connected.  It’s not so bad that you need a vendiagram but I wonder if the series would read better as a trade.

If you enjoy crime and noir comics, The Rinse is a solid series to add to your reading pile.

Writer: Gary Phillips Art: Marc Laming Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Irredeemable #30

Irredeemable is a series that really should be getting more attention than it does.  For thirty issues Mark Waid has been exploring what it means to be a hero and the fine line they walk between doing good and abusing power.  While the main focus and driver of the series is Plutonian, it’s the larger cast that many of the questions surround.  There’s really three parts to this issue.

The first focuses on Survivor and the fact that there’s a third brother.  We get to meet him and Survivor confronts him on the fact that as three brothers they had enough power to stop Plutonian from his attack on the world.  The twist is, as one brother dies the power is transferred to the remaining ones.  So, Survivor is left with a quandary, if his brother won’t help, should he just kill him, take his power and then take on Plutonian himself?

The second involves Plutonian who for all of the destruction he has caused, is actually protecting some.  There’s definitely a lot more to him than just being a super hero gone nuts, but we knew that.  It’s interesting how a character who has killed millions can then turn around and protect one.

The final part focuses on the U.S., Japan and China’s response to the return of Plutonian.  A pact has been made and there has been talk of sacrificing billions to save millions.  We get a sense of where that’s all going towards the end.

Mark Waid continues to explore this world and the difficult decisions that are made.  I’d say that this is another post apocalyptic story, but that doesn’t do the series justice.

Writer: Mark Waid Art: Diego Barreto and Damian Couceiro Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Snarked #1

It would be easy to dismiss Snarked as a kids comic book by Roger Langridge has put together a comic book series that’s enjoyable by adults and children alike.  The series plays on the fantasy world set up by Lewis Carroll in that it involves folks like the Walrus and the Carpenter and Red Queen.

There’s a lot of humor in the comic and it still reminds me of old Popeye cartoons.  The feel and tone is fun and light hearted even with the scheming villains never truly coming off as scary.  The first issue focuses on the Walrus and Carpenter and Princess Scarlett who must seek the two out at the behest of the Cheshire Cat.  But there’s individuals who plot to take over the crown themselves.

The art is solid and there’s enough jokes and winks throughout that the comic is entertaining for adults and I can see kids enjoying it too.  I always have to throw props around to a comic that’s fun for an entire family.

Writer: Roger Langridge Art: Roger Langridge Publisher: kaboom!

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review