Graphic Clues
When most people think of comic books, they think of spandex-wearing superheroes. Villains wearing some kind of ridiculous outfit perpetrate most of the crimes committed in those books. There is very little examination of what happened, or why. These books focus mostly on costumes, powers, and super-human efforts.
Yet, there is a growing trend among publishers to offer actual crime comics. Recent comic-based movies like Ghost World, From Hell, and Road to Perdition are beginning to show readers that comic books have a lot more to offer. This column will try to point you to some of the best crime genre books out there.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
IDW Publishing
Written by Max Allan Collins
Art by Gabriel Rodriguez and Ashley Wood, covers by Ashley Wood
This five-issue mini-series by acclaimed author Max Allan Collins brings the characters from CBS’s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation to life in comic book format. The book uses the same format as the television series, including forensic and flashback sequences illustrated by Ashley Wood, and story scenes illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez.
Comic book readers are aware that, too often, franchise comics sell on the basis of the original series rather than on the value of the book itself. This is definitely not the case here. The artwork is beautiful, and, based upon the first issue, the storyline is as good as anything seen on CBS. The first issue of CSI literally flew off the shelves at Golden City Comics, selling out within 24 hours of arrival.
The plot revolves around a Las Vegas area serial killer intent on reenacting the crimes of Jack the Ripper. Unfortunately, Vegas is hosting a Jack the Ripper convention, meaning that the number of suspects is literally in the hundreds. Only by examining both the original Ripper crimes, and the current copy-cat’s work does Grissom have any chance of catching the killer before he strikes again. And again.
This book comes strongly recommended on the basis of a strong first issue, and the reputation of its writer.
American Century
DC/Vertigo
Written by Howard Chaykin and David Tischman
Art by Luke Ross and John Stokes, covers by Glen Orbik
American Century is an ongoing series put out by DC Comics under their Vertigo imprint. It tells the story of a man, Harry Kraft, who decided one day to simply walk away from his life. Since then, he’s dealt with crooked cops, French art dealers, murder, theft, moonshine, blackmail, and his ex-wife. The stories take place in the days following the Second World War, when someone could travel around, become involved in tense little noir-style stories, and then vanish into the next adventure. There are now three volumes of American Century trade paperbacks, collecting issues 1-16.
On the plus side, the stories in American Century are clever. They are designed for mature readers with elements of sex and swearing that seem firmly grounded in pulp-era roots while never forgetting that this is modern content. Which means, if you are easily offended, this is probably not the book for you. If you enjoy pulp-style detective novels, you’ll probably enjoy American Century.
American Century is recommended.
Other Recommended Reads
If you can find them, pick up Queen & Country (Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez ) and Skinwalker (DeFilippis, Weir, Hurtt & Dela Cruz) by Oni Press. Two of the sleeper hits of the comic book industry, these books have excellent black & white artwork, and some of the best stories the comic book industry has seen in a long, long time.
Queen & Country is espionage fiction that works the way real-world espionage works: a lot of tension, a lot of danger, and nary a flashy gadget to be seen. The book deals with the psychological and emotional damage caused by spying, as well as the real-world dangers that espionage seeks to uncover or eliminate. It doesn’t get any better than Queen & Country. I highly recommend this series.
While I tried to avoid the flashy or paranormal, it would be remiss of me had I not mentioned Skinwalker. The premise of the book is that a killer, using a Native American ritual, can take on another person’s appearance by donning his or her skin. Our protagonists, an FBI agent and a reservation cop, have an uneasy alliance while trying to bring the killer to justice.
Skinwalker is highly recommended. Better yet, as Oni Press’s contribution toward Free Comic Book Day on May 3, 2003, you can read the first issue absolutely free. Check out your local retailers to see who is participating, and then ask them if they are giving out the Oni Press book.
That’s all for now, and good reading!