Reviewer: Mathan “I’m the only guy on site who read the Focus books†Erhardt
Story Title: “…and 1 for allâ€
Written by: David Tischman
Penciled and Inked by: Timothy Green II
Lettered by: Rob Leigh
Colored by: Brian Haberlin
Editor: Joan Hilty
Publisher: DC Focus/DC Comics
Last issue four high school friends, Trent, Mike, Pete and Ford, reunited and stole a battle suit. Since it was composed of four components, helmet, gauntlets, boots, and chest plate, they each took one piece and went about their pitiful lives. However they later decided to rob a check-cashing place. Unfortunately Ford took a shotgun blast to the chest.
This issue begins with Mike (the one with the gauntlets) firing at the shop owner, who just shot his friend. Trent (the one with the rocket boots) swoops in and saves the shop owner. But it turns out that Ford, who was wearing the chest plate, survived the blast. Trent is furious at Mike for firing at the shop owner. He punches Mike in the face and warns that the next time Mike fires at someone, it will mean is life.
We then see their normal day life. Trent visits his wife (whom he cheated on) and child. Mike pays a visit to the man who molested him as a child. The four friends meet up for lunch, and emotions boil over. After lunch Pete finds out that his mom knows about the helmet, and that he’s not utilizing the helmet to its fullest. Ford, the ex con, is turned down for yet another job.
Then we meet Burke, a man in the know. He has been charged with the task of retrieving the battle suit by any means. This doesn’t bode well for our stars.
Trent goes for a night flight but causes a car accident that forces him to prove his mettle. Mike goes for a drink, bumps into Trent’s wife, hits on her and she reciprocates. Ford returns to the place of his latest employment rejection and offers them the chest plate for their best offer. I can’t wait for thirty days.
Tischman has made a fan out of me. This book is like one of those male soap operas. It’s not all girly, but I am really hooked. Is Trent going to find out about his wife and Mike? Will Pete get out from his mother’s shadow? Is Ford really that desperate? I thought that background on Mike was an excellent way of making him a much more sympathetic character. I also enjoyed seeing how everyone takes advantage of Pete. This is yet another good premise from the DC Focus line.
Green conveys emotion perfectly. Trent’s rage with Mike. Mike’s anger over his Ford getting shot. The scene between Mike and his molester is played very straight, and expertly captures Mike’s brutality. And Ford’s desperation is almost palpable. Green’s detailed artwork makes this book wonderful to look at.
