“The Torture of William Leather”
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by John Cassaday
Coloring by Laura Martin
Lettering by Richard Starkings
Edited by Scott Dunbier
Published by Wildstorm Comics
Planetary has a feel like no other book. That seems a strange thing to say since artist John Cassaday draws another book currently on the market, and writer Warren Ellis writes many books each month. But Planetary is like no other comic I have ever seen, and it’s been that way for years.
Since its debut years ago, every issue has been a treat. It’s been a very frustrating series due to the many delays, but it’s ultimately a rewarding experience. Since issue #1, Planetary has been unraveling the myths we have built up from years of comic book reading. Every issue takes on a different genre, and challenges the expectations we have for that genre.
This month is no different. We see Ellis and Cassaday’s take on a western. Oh, and a gangster story too. I guess they were not happy with just one this time. In this issue we are given a story that is ultimately a 22 page epic, but it also feels very personal to us. It’s a testament to the creators involved that they can do this. Every issue is building up to something huge, we know that, but Ellis never makes his story too big as to make it detached from his audience.
The themes of revenge, of master and apprentice, and of honor are of course something that everyone can relate to. And as we hear the story of William Leather, we are taken in by it because of that relation.
But that is only one reason why this issue works. The art, simply stated, is beautiful. John Cassaday is easily one of the best artists working in comics today (or any other day for that matter.) The way he portrays emotion and action all at once is truly something to behold and anyone who wants to draw comics someday should be looking at this. The flow and pacing behind the work is also a marvel. Once again, nothing else is like this.
Overall though, this issue is just a piece of the puzzle. And since the beginning we have been getting clues and hints as to what this series is all about. I’ve read it all many times and I still have no idea. But it’s just as compelling as it was years ago. I can’t wait to read the next chapter, because I know it’ll be just as good as the previous one. The overall tale that Ellis has been weaving has yet to reveal itself, and we have every reason to believe it’ll be worth the wait.
