A great deal of change occurs within the pages of “Copperhead” #11. The previous issue concluded ‘year one’ of the series and thus this installment sets up story threads that will be explored in the remaining chapters. The issue is packed with revealing character moments and game changing plot developments. The most noticeable change, however, is that a new artist will be illustrating the comic.
Written by Jay FaerberCover by Scott Godlewski
Illustrated by Drew Moss
Colored by Ron Riley
Lettered by Thomas MauerCritically acclaimed COPPERHEAD returns with new artist DREW MOSS! Sheriff Clara Bronson’s past and present collide as an old friend arrives in town while Clara investigates the murder of Copperhead’s mayor. Find out why BRIAN K. VAUGHAN called this his “favorite new comic.”
It’s likely that Godlweski’s commitments at DC may have necessitated his withdrawal as the primary artist on “Copperhead.” While he still provides the series’ covers and consults on everything related to the comic, the transition to a new artist may be a little jarring to readers. Godlewski’s style was one of the best things about this title. His skill at rendering emotional moments, thrilling action sequences and inventive panel layouts will be sorely missed. We hope to see his art again when the series makes its eventual return.
Taking over from Godlweski’s outstanding work is a task most artists would be hesitant to accept. Artist Drew Moss does his best under the circumstances and while this is a competent start, one suspects that his work will improve as more of his own style shines through. Moss retains certain techniques favored by Godlewski such as a reliance on straightforward layouts of between 4 to 6 panels per page. He does not attempt to copy his predecessor’s detail-oriented artwork nor does he rely on cross hatching for lighting purposes. He does, however, retain the use of motion lines for action sequences. A sequence that takes place at the mayor’s office when Clara pursues a suspect provides the book’s most dynamic and interesting pages.
Moss struggles slightly with drawing the cast’s faces. After 10 issues, readers have become accustomed to how Clara, Ishmael and the rest ought to look. The opening page is a little jarring in how Zeke and Ishmael are illustrated. Clara seems off in certain panels and spot on in others. This becomes more of an issue when a character like Clay, who alters his appearance in this chapter, becomes completely unrecognisable. Fortunately, colorist Ron Riley does a fine job of creating a sense of continuity between 2 artists who have very different styles. A scene with Ishmael and Zeke lying by a campfire and gazing into a starry sky was impressive in how the contrast was brought out. The blues of the night and Ishmael’s skin tone looked interesting when set against the warm orange glow of the fire. Daytime settings were also colored well. A meeting between Boo and Hickory at the latter’s ranch utilized subtle, warm tones to suggest a dry climate.
The writing was more character-focused this time after the suspense-filled previous chapter. Character dynamics such as the father/son bond between Ishmael and Zeke were explored this time around. Also, with Sheriff Bronson focused on unraveling the mystery of the mayor’s murder, Boo’s intentions, hinted at in prior installments, were made much clearer. Having become wise to Hickory’s plans to oust Clara from her position, Boo takes the opportunity to become the town’s new mayor. After such a decisive move, one wonders if he’ll abuse his newfound power by becoming Hickory’s puppet or if this is all an elaborate ruse and that he’ll eventually betray Hickory.
Finally, backstory was finally revealed when we discovered that Ford and Clara once had a romantic relationship that ended badly. Furthermore, when he tells her that Clay has just escaped from prison and is coming for her, we are shown that his primary motivation is to acquire the spoils of a heist. It is implied that he will then abandon his new female companion just like other women in the past. It will be interesting to see how Zeke will react to his father suddenly appearing out of the blue. With only a few issues left, there’s plenty of intriguing material to explore as the comic enters year two.
