Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Gabriel Benson
Penciled and Inked by: Mike Hawthorne
Colored by: Mike Atiyeh
Lettered by: Omar Mediano
Cover by: Jeff Amano
Managing Editor: Gabriel Benson
Publisher: Beckett Comics
I’ve been on the bandwagon for The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty ever since the first issue. Without a doubt in my mind I can say that this is in my top four or five books right now. Ballad has some of the most interesting characters, a gripping story, and beautiful artwork. Very few comics can boast all three of those things in today’s marketplace. A lot of comics set up a wonderful premise, bring great characters along for the ride, but they flub the journey somewhere along the line. Ballad keeps getting better.
The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty has followed the adventures of a gritty cowboy named Cole, his friend Will, and their joining up with a boy named Red. Back in issue #1 Red told tale of the town of Briar Rose in which all of its inhabitants followed Sleeping Beauty to an unending slumber because of a sleight to an old Indian woman. Recent events have seen the tale progress rather nicely.
Last issue Cole seemingly exorcised some demons when he killed off the bane of his existence, Drake. Drake was a former friend that killed his wife and fooled Cole into an Indian slaughtering rampage. During the action Will was killed. The issue was highlighted by the coolest western/train sequence that I’ve seen translated to printed matter. Absolutely outstanding!
This month Gabriel Benson focuses on Cole’s reaction to the deaths of Red and Drake. Cole, although a crude, mean cuss, is devastated by the loss of his pal. He is equally distraught over the murder that he carried out. Drake’s death has left Cole empty. Cole never discovered why Drake did what he did. Although he’s gotten revenge for his wife he doesn’t seem any better for the journey he took.
Benson also gives us a great deal of backstory on the titular beauty. We are gaining more insight into the events that took place in the town of Briar Rose and Cole’s companion, Red, and his place in the larger story. As the issue draws to a close, our heroes are nearing the end of their journey when the ghostly Indian that’s been following Cole makes his presence known.
Mike Hawthorne continues to impress with his fantastic visuals. Hawthorne captures the amazing scope of wandering the open land of the old west. The period setting is an absolute delight to look at. Hawthorne hits all of the important beats in the wide-ranging script. He brings the appropriate gravity to the sequence at Will’s gravesite, makes the less-action-packed sequences as pleasurable as the action, and captures the supernatural elements as well. It’s a fantastic performance that brings to life a wonderful script.
Unfortunately only three issues remain. While Ballad was the surprise hit of 2004, now that 2005 is here, there’s an expectation of greatness. It’s amazing what six months can bring!
