Reviewer: Mathan “Fwomp†Erhardt
Story Title: Ascension
Written by: Steve Gerber
Penciled and Inked by: Brian Hurtt
Lettered by: Pat Brosseau
Colored by: Avalon Studios
Editor: Joan Hilty
Publisher: DC Focus/DC Comics
Ethan Harrow was involved in a high school shooting and got sent to a state penitentiary. There he ran afoul with the Aryan Brotherhood, who tried to make him overdose and a guy who believes that he talks to God. Oh yeah Ethan also possesses a strange force.
This issue begins with a confrontation in the lunchroom. Cole, the closest thing Ethan has to a friend, is trying to keep Gantry, the religious nut who killed another prisoner because God told him to, from harassing his cellmate, Miller a weak-minded prisoner. Gantry then threatens Ethan.
Knowing that he’s in danger Ethan tries to get back to his cell for protection, but on his way there a guard tells him that his lawyer is there to see him. Ethan isn’t in the mood to see his lawyer, but goes anyway. Once there Ethan confronts his lawyer with his suspicion that he’s sleeping with Ethan’s mom. Being a lawyer, he sidesteps the question. But that effectively kills the conversation.
Then Ethan continues on to his cell, where he bumps into two Aryans who want to deliver a friendly message. But with Gantry on his tail, Ethan avoids the conversation to get to his cell. Ethan then runs into Cindy, the s/him of the cellblock. She wants to warn him that the first enemy that Ethan made is getting out of the infirmary tomorrow. But since he won’t see tomorrow if he doesn’t get to his cell, Ethan quickly takes the advice and continues on his way.
Ethan gets to his cell and makes a weapon out of some material that he smuggled into his cell. And when Gantry makes his move Ethan is ready. But even though Ethan only meant to disable, Gantry doesn’t come out on top, in a six feet under kind of way. As a result Ethan gets a month in solitary. Once there he tries to unleash the force, successfully.
Gerber has crafted a very compelling drama with this book. I actually care about Ethan. This issue is like any good thriller. Ethan has to get to his cell, but encounters many obstacles. The tension builds. And Gerber crams it into a story that basically takes place in like 15 minutes. Gerber is telling one of the most under appreciated stories of the year.
Hurtt’s art just keeps getting better and better. Gantry’s silent determination and Ethan’s desperation are so well conveyed, as is everyone else’s indifference. The splash death scene and the page previous are very well done as we see what prison does to the effect of violence on people. Plus Hurtt contributed a really cool cover.
