Review: Calamity Kate #1
One of my favorite movies of all time is Shane. The movie portrays a lone gunslinger who comes through a town filled with troubles. That’s something that he seems to not be able to stay away from through the movie. Eventually, it catches up with him with one of the most debated endings of all time, one only the writer of this excellent movie would know. This archetype would be replicated many times throughout the years.
One of those mediums that it seems to feel at home is comics. No one can deny the similarities between Shane and Marvel’s Wolverine. The film was referenced and was a clear inspiration for the film Logan. Another excellent example is Vampire Hunter D, whose story is both tragic and fascinating. He was cursed to kill vampires while attracting a deluge of enemies both vampire and human. In the debut issue of Calamity Kate we find one hero who relocates to restart her life but not without a new set of complications.
We meet Kate, who is a monster hunter and who has recently moved to Los Angles to be near her friends and also for a fresh start. Kate is a monster hunter and must balance the challenges of work, relationships, and competition. The first is a solid and entertaining set up and by issue’s end, as she dredges through another monster hunt, she meets a new monster hunter who looks to be more foe than friend.
Overall, this debut is a funny and exciting new comic which should get everyone to fall in love with these characters and this world. The story by Magdalene Visaggio is amusing and pulse pounding. The art by Corin Howell and Valentina Pinto is gorgeous. Altogether, a great story that imbues fun alongside well developed storytelling.
Story: Magdalene Visaggio Art: Corin Howell and Valentina Pinto
Story: 10 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
