Famed detective Ari Nassar caught the One Hand Killer twice in the neon metropolis of Neo Novena years ago. Ready to turn in his badge and retire, Ari puts his plans on hold when the seemingly imprisoned One Hand Killer resumes their bloody body count. Can Ari finally close this part of his life and move on, or will he fall deep into the murderous rabbit hole? The One Hand #1 by Ram V and Laurence Campbell launches an exciting thriller miniseries from Image Comics. 

The series oozes with plenty of confidence and style within its writing and art. With plenty of Venetian blinds, a brooding detective lead, and a rain-soaked city, the comic steeps itself firmly into neo-noir tropes while combining it with a more stripped-back futuristic science fiction setting. Granted, I had no preconceived notion of the story taking place in the future, but I was pleasantly surprised by this decision to help distance itself from similar narratives. Even though it takes place in 2873, Neo Novena still feels familiar to the modern-day while being far enough away to have its technological quirks. Ram and Laurence craft a fascinating world that feels alive and can stand independently.

Considering how cliched the close-to-retirement detective trope has become, Ram avoids it with the character of Ari Nassar. While capturing the One Hand Killer serves as the narrative, Ram utilizes the case to examine Ari and how he sees the world. This strong viewpoint coincides with how the mystery unfolds due to uncovering clues simultaneously as Ari. A good mystery requires strong pacing and structure and watching how the detective investigates and discovers the threads to pull. 

Campbell’s gritty and grounded art complements the tone and world. There’s a grit and lived-in nature to how he draws the characters and the world that helps make it more tangible. And his penchant for shadows and deliberate lighting choices contribute to the atmosphere. Considering the story takes place in the future, Campbell never has Neo Novena and its inhabitants feel too alien from our current times. More important lies in his paneling and layouts, where he demonstrates Ari’s industrious and inquisitive nature by using close-ups of objects and items in the scenes to showcase how he decides his next course of action. In one of the more horrifying moments, Campbell slowly and tensely reveals the killer’s mo and latest murder. Also, Lee Loughride‘s dark and moody color scheme pairs well with Campbell’s art and helps the city come to life. Lastly, Aditya Bidikar‘s phenomenal lettering ties in well with the established noir aesthetic and brings visual character to the dialogue. 

However, The One Hand does not exist in a vacuum and co-exists with The Six Fingers by Dan Watters and Sumit Kumar, which serves as a sister series focusing on the killer. This decision provides a fascinating opportunity where not only is the killer’s identity known, but it also makes the mystery more about how Ari will discover the killer and capture him. Ram and Laurence provide an original and suspenseful mystery you want to take advantage of. 

Story: Ram V Art: Laurence Campbell
Color: Lee Loughride Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Co+mics