If you’re looking for an example of why Joe Kubert was venerated as an artist, then look no further than this collection. The exploits of Abraham Stone, a young farmboy who has come to the city in search of… VENGEANCE, are drawn with an expressiveness and attention to detail that’s still impressive to see nearly three decades removed from their original publication. You really get a sense for the gritty, run-down sections of New York; the fanciful glamour of the many sets of early Hollywood; and the chaos that follows Pancho Villa in the wake of his revolution. The roughness of Kubert’s linework feels perfectly suited to this bygone era and it’s easy to marvel at all the work he put into a single page. Sure, sometimes his characters can come off like they’re overacting, but it actually fits in with the storytelling’s throwback charm
“Throwback charm” is also the most charitable way I can describe the appeal of the storytelling here. The feel of these three stories can best be described as coming off like episodes of an old 70’s action/adventure TV show. Abraham may have the naivete of a young man, but he’s got a strength and resourcefulness beyond his years that will see the places mentioned above. Which leaves him as a likeable lead that’s to be stuck in stories that are predictable and offer few surprises. Speaking of which, don’t go into this expecting a progressive vision of minority or women’s roles. Only the portrayal of Pancho Villa and his men comes off as being borderline racist, however. Which ultimately leaves the stories to get by on the charm of its main character and the art from their creator. Something that will ultimately be decided by the reader’s own personal tastes.
glickscomicpicks@gmail.com
Comic Picks #418: Star Wars -- Dark Droids
Comic Picks #417: Fire Power
Comic Picks #416: Void Rivals vol. 1
Comic Picks #415: The Metabaron
Comic Picks #414: Joe Kelly & Ken Niimura
Comic Picks #413: Golden Kamuy
Comic Picks #412: Best of 2023
Comic Picks #411: The Ancient Magus' Bride -- College Arc
Comic Picks #410: Captain Marvel & Hawkeye by Kelly Thompson
Comic Picks#409: Nocterra
Comic Picks #408: The Night Eaters vol. 2
Comic Picks #407: TMNT -- The Last Ronin: Lost Years
Comic Picks #406: BRZRKR
Comic Picks #405: Star Trek -- Lower Decks
Comic Picks #404: DCeased
Comic Picks #403: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Part 5 -- Golden Wind
Comic Picks #402: Star Trek -- Year Five
Comic Picks#401: Sins of Sinister
Comic Picks #400: Night Fever
Comic Picks #399: Avengers by Jason Aaron
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Uncanny: The ”Unofficial” X-Men ’97 Podcast
Otaku’s Anonymous
Dinner with the Heelers - A Bluey Podcast
Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect
Back & Forth