There are a lot of great independently released comics right now, but one at the top of my list is “The Brothers James.” Written by Ryan Ferrier and illustrated by Brian Level (except for the first issue, which was illustrated by Michael Walsh), the series won my heart and love at 2013’s Emerald City Comic Con and has persisted ever since. Following the adventures of the eponymous brothers Jack and John James, the two embark on the bloodiest of bloody road trips as they attempt to track down the gang that murdered their parents. It’s a classic revenge story on bikes, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Well, good news for me and hopefully you as well, as next week sees the digital release of the fourth issue on the Comixology platform. With the first three issues up for $0.99 a pop, there is no reason not to hop in now and get pumped for next week’s release. Ferrier made headlines with his hilarious Monkeybrain book “D4VE”, and I’m sure fans are more than familiar with Brian Level’s excellent work with various Valiant titles like “Bloodshot” and “Harbinger” as well as finishing work with Michael Lark on Image’s “Lazarus.” It’s a dynamite team on a book there’s no reason to treat like a religious pass over, if you catch my drift.
Need more of an excuse? Take a look at a preview:
And here’s the solicit:
The Brothers James #4
“The House of the Rising Sun”
Story by Brian Level & Ryan Ferrier
Art by Brian Level
Script & Letters by Ryan Ferrier
Cover by Brian Level
25 pages
Release Date: Wed. September 24, 2014 (Comixology)
THE PENULTIMATE ISSUE. The road trip of revenge barrels closer to its final destination, taking the brothers face-to-face with a notorious Baton Rouge drug lord with nefarious ties to the James family. As the bullets and emotions fly, Tracy’s hidden agenda is revealed, threatening to tear Jack and John apart for good. One thing’s for sure, things will never be the same for the brothers James. If this ending doesn’t kill you…you’re already dead!
But that’s just Comixology. I’m told that smart and discerning readers will find the fourth issue already available at such fine places as readchallenger.com. But that’s just a rumor.
Honestly, though. “Brothers James” is a fantastic book, and it comes highly recommended.
