Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Dead Man’s Hand
Written by: Andy Diggle
Art by: Jock
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Clem Robins
Editor: Will Dennis
Publisher: DC Comics – Vertigo
DC’s Vertigo imprint has produced some of my favorite comic books of all-time! PREACHER and TRANSMETROPOLITAN are two series I consider the height of the comic art form! Yet, for some reason, I rarely read Vertigo titles on a monthly basis. Right now HUNTER: THE AGE OF MAGIC, which ends next month, is the only one on my pull-list. I’ve purchased the initial trades for FABLES and Y: THE LAST MAN, and I own the five 100 BULLETS trades, but I don’t read any of them monthly. With so many titles on my plate, I prefer to read these books in the collected format. It’s a couple less books to follow on a regular basis, and these are titles that read so well as trades.
So you might ask why did I try THE LOSERS? Or the better question is why did I ramble for a full paragraph without once mentioning the title I am supposed to review? The answer to the former is a combination of a whim and my girlfriend; the latter is because sometimes my writing has a way of getting away from me. J
So on to THE LOSERS! Now those well versed in DC history may think this is a continuation of the classic series of stories. Well, you would be 100% wrong! As odd as it may sound, this is a totally new series based not at all on the original work. With a title like THE LOSERS collecting dust, you can understand why DC might want to use it. The title is simple but a bit unusual next to most books out there, and should get a second glance.
As far as content, this issue was good enough for me to continue plunking down my hard earned cash for another few months. As first issues go, this one’s pretty good. It doesn’t waste a lot of time on unimportant eye candy. Instead the emphasis is placed on introducing the concept of the series, as well as the major players, nothing more, nothing less.
The series writer Andy Diggle, is relatively new to American shores. While he wrote the recent LADY CONSTANTINE mini-series for Vertigo, most of his work was in England for 2000 A.D. His writing is very sharp, especially the set up for the two heists that the Losers pull in this oversized first issue. While most of the characters are on the generic side, I think Diggle has put together a cast that can blossom as the series moves forward.
The group is made up of five former black-op members that worked for the C.I.A. In typical fashion the group saw something they shouldn’t have, and were deemed expendable. Their former bosses saw to their apparent end in a helicopter accident, but of course, they failed. The Losers are now out for revenge, and they have the talent to get it.
None of the five guys really stood out for me; they’re your typical grouping in a title of this kind. The breakout character is the sixth Loser, Afghani freedom fighter, Aisha. Diggle’s gone out on a limb using a character with Aisha’s background, but her past experiences and continuing development should add a very original element to THE LOSERS. Vertigo has always taken chances, and I’m glad to see a gutsy choice by the writer.
The art is produced by the mysteriously named Jock, another 2000 A.D. alum. He captures the action packed story with flair, and also does a nice job giving each character a little extra personality. His style is somewhat similar to Eduardo Risso, of 100 BULLETS fame, and I believe he bears some watching in the industry.
THE LOSERS is a smart, action-thriller that sucked me in to the story. If the characterization builds and matures with the series, this could be a great book. Andy Diggle is going for a decidedly cinematic flavor, and it should keep things very fresh. Vertigo books haven’t always grabbed me right after reading the first issue, but they usually grow on me quickly. I think THE LOSERS will do the same.
