"Welcome to New Angeles...hope you enjoy your stay."
New Angeles - home of the Suiciders. Where death matches replace those terrible reality TV shows we've grown so fond of, and you're the outcast if you haven't been aesthetically altered in some way. After "the big one" hit the metropolis formerly known as Los Angeles, it's culture and humanity was decimated and it's civility followed suit.
The government has abandoned its people, leaving them to the mercy of their own survival instincts. Using the need for survival as the basis of it's entertainment, New Angeles has ignited the industry of the "Suiciders". A TV series centered around Gladiator-style death matches between physically augmented Suiciders so brutal that Maximus himself would piss that cute little tunic of his.
Shrouded beneath the extravagant and savage exterior of the high-octane action and blood-stained wrist blades lies a clandestine underworld that seems ripe for deception, duplicity and illegal dealings of all kinds. Where getting into New Angeles is the dream and getting kicked out is a nightmare.
The very first image you see when you flip that beautiful cover (illustrated by the writer himself) is a seemingly war-torn statue of the Christian deity Jesus Christ on the crucifix, with our (let's call him) hero knelt before it. "The Saint" mentally prepares himself to fight for his life and to defend his title of reigning champion of New Angeles. The overall tone of this scene seems somber as hell. Blue tints shower the page and the image of Christianity's fallen hero hangs over the man. "It's time to begin", says a figure behind him. After being escorted down a dingy hallway, he is greeted by a couple men in jumpsuits who greatly resemble members of a NASCAR pit crew.
The "klick-klack"-ing sound of heels heading towards the same door belong to a "takes-no-shit" journalist named Sheila Sutter who shares not only the same tenacity and determination with the likes of Vicki Vale and Lois Lane, but also the same affinity for names of an alliterative nature. She is granted access to The Saint's (for lack of a better term) dressing room and walks in on what looks like an Ivan Drago training session.
Without giving away any more of the plot, an interview follows and The Saint is released into the arena to the sound of thunderous applause. Let the battle begin.
Lee Bermejo (Batman: Noel, Joker graphic novel) is at the helm of this series, with the help of Eisner Award winning colorist Matt Hollingsworth. If you are familiar with the work of either of these gentleman, I HIGHLY suggest picking up this book. It promises to be a wild ride.
Favorite Quote: "Every time my opponent steps into the coliseum...they've already lost." - The Saint
Favorite Panel:
Before I go, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate my local comic book shop Bill's Bullpen and it's owner Bill, who have been given recognition by our local Chamber of Commerce for "Best Retail Business." Outstanding customer service and loyalty to the people of Hollister have earned you this award, Bill. Thanks for keeping the comic book culture alive.
Okay everyone, that wraps it up for my first ever comic book review. It may be rough around the edges so if you have any feedback, please feel free to comment. Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope you'll grab this book!
I'll Be Back (in my best Ahnuld voice)
Twitter: @BiGNasty91_
Twitter: @BiGNasty91_
