Title : Corrigan II (Part 2 of 3)
Writer : Greg Rucka
Artists : Kano & Stefano Gaudiano
Letterer : Clem Robins
Colorist : Lee Loughridge
Editor : Matt Idelson
Publisher : DC Comics
Amid all the hoopla of some tiny little event called Infinite Crisis, this series has always been the real source of ‘grim and gritty’ realism in the DC Universe.
A series that perfectly captured the frustrations of being a cop in the big city, then ratcheted up the tension even further by showing how inadequate such cops would feel when surrounded by costumed heroes and villains.
After the one-shot that placed the events of Infinite Crisis front and centre, this concluding arc (so far) has barely had a mention of any super-powered villains or heroes, let alone an on-screen appearance.
Following the shocking death at the end of the last issue, the emotional fall-out is depicted in a stunning prologue which conveys (without dialogue or captions of any kind) the effect that this event has on these other characters which we have come to care about so deeply over this run.
Suspicion falls on the obvious suspect, Corrigan, but the reader knows that nothing will ever be that easy. Given the tone of this series, there is absolutely no guarantee that the arc (and the entire run of the series) will end on an up-note. It is this sensation that literally makes this issue hard to read, despite the stupendous quality.
I’m not exaggerating. I feel like I’m looking inside a police squad room, at people I’ve grown to know, as they deal with the loss of one of their own and ponder how to continue. This issue, and in particular the prologue, should be required reading for every comics writer attempting to make the death of a character appear meaningful.
The art is brilliant as well, with the prologue, and in particular the picture of Montoya and her lover in bed, captures emotions in a superb way.
The conclusion of the issue, and the sneak preview of issue #40’s cover, does not bode well for happy endings, but you couldn’t drag me away from the fate of these characters.
