When a biological terrorist attack makes it impossible for anyone in America to conceive children, adoption of kids from other countries explodes. Brothers Jackie and Julian are adoption agents based in Nicaragua. They usually do all their options through legal means, but they’re facing increasing competition from straight-up kidnappers. One desperate move from Jackie could put them in the cross-hairs of some very dangerous people.

Last Sons of America #1 is an interesting start for a series that could potentially be amazing commentary on the current state of the United States and its place in the world, but at its heart, the story is an interesting crime/noir tale.

Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Last Sons of America is a solid beginning that sets up its world and its two main characters quite well. An attack has made it imperative for the those in the United States to adopt children from around the world. In steps Julian and Jackie, brothers whose job it is to get kids through legal means. There’s also those who have similar jobs and do so in not so legal means.

That set up has amazing opportunity to discuss the current state of adoption, slavery, as well as immigration in general. But, the comic dials that make, letting the reader think about those things themselves. Instead the comic is really about Julian and Jackie and through a stupid decision and mistake, the comic quickly turns into a crime comic. We’ll see that play out in the next few issues, but it’s a solid twist towards the end that got me interested. I went in thinking the comic would be one thing, and came out of it with something else. And both of those things are solid.

The art by Matthew Dow Smith is perfect for this sort of story. Not only does it fit the crime/noir genre, there’s something that fits the location of Nicaragua. What’s also great by Smith is his unique looking individuals. Characters are unique, they are each identifiable, and that includes many of the characters in the background.

The first issue of Last Sons of America isn’t what I expected, but due to smart choices by Johnson and Smith the comic is something really interesting and entertaining. If you’re looking for a comic with a deep statement on adoption and immigration, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for a solid crime/noir comic, absolutely check this out.

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson Art: Matthew Dow Smith
Story: 7.9 Art: 8 Overall: 7.9 Recommendation: Read

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review