DC COMICS/Jinxworld – @DCComics
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Michael Gaydos
COLORS: Michael Gaydos
LETTERS: Josh Reed
EDITOR: Michael McCalister
COVER: Michael Gaydos
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Maleev
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2018)
Rated “M” for “Mature”
Pearl created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos
Pearl is the title of a new comic book series from writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Gaydos, the creators of Marvel Comics' Jessica Jones. The series focuses on an accidental assassin whose life changes when she meets another assassin who is like her in some ways.
Pearl #1 opens in San Francisco and introduces Pearl, who is an exceptional tattoo artist and also an assassin for one of modern-day San Fran's yakuza clans. Then, at a coffee shop, Pearl meets Rick, who recognizes a tattoo on her wrist, a work of art executed by the legendary and reclusive tattoo artist, Iriguci. The meeting, an act of serendipity or of fate, drags Pearl deeper into a world of violence that she is desperate to escape.
I can keep this review short. I love Pearl. Brian Bendis' writing is blunt and straight to the point in a way that reminds me of the late Darwyn Cooke's comics adaptation of Richard Stark's Parker prose novels. Sparse dialogue and powerful confrontations drive this narrative. Letterer Joshua Reed emphasizes the directness of the dialogue with his emotive lettering.
Michael Gaydos'a illustrations and graphical storytelling offer stunning background detail and beautiful facial drawings. Gaydos also draws some of the most elegant figures in clothing that I have ever seen in comic books. I did not know comic book characters could “wear it” so well.
Pearl #1, as a bonus, includes the first Bendis/Gaydos collaboration, which is a Batman short story from The Batman Chronicles #21 (cover dated: Summer 2000). It is a cute novelty piece, but cannot match the power of the main story, the work of two now accomplished, veteran comic book creators.
[This comic book contains a reprint of the Batman “Elseworlds” story, “Citizen Wayne,” by Bendis, Gaydos, Janice Chiang, and Patricia Mulvihill.]
9 out of 10
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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