Always keeping things fresh, the newest volume of “Criminal” does a nine year time jump from issue #1 to #2 and presents us with a new character to learn about. How this new man is tied to the greater scope of the series is yet to be seen. Mild Spoilers Ahead
Written by Ed Brubaker
Illustrated by Sean Phillips
Colored by Jacob Phillips
Lettered by Sean PhillipsIn 1997, unsuspecting every-man Jacob, is pulled back into the world of comic books, an industry he left ten years prior that is now on the verge of financial collapse, by former mentor and famed artist, Hal Crane. Requested by Crane personally to be his handler for the upcoming weekend’s comic book convention, Jacob finds himself needing to deal with far more than just a cranky and washed up comic book creator.
Seeing a return to the world of comics within “Criminal” is a welcome one. It has been a focus in past arcs and with the series starting a new volume, it feels right. In the current over-saturated state of the comic book industry, it is interesting and somewhat refreshing to go back to a time, not that long ago, when the business was in real danger of evaporating, or at the very least becoming something much different. It is an extremely enjoyable read, even if it is told through the bitter and cynical filters that are Jacob and Hal. Both characters feel scorned by their past lives as comic book artists who were at very different places in their careers.
Ed Brubaker’s storytelling is as strong as it has ever been and keeping his promise that this new iteration of the series would be unpredictable, it is both equally jarring and invigorating to have the second issue NOT be a continuation of the first. The only connection is that the premiere took place in 1988 and Jacob references leaving the comics biz that same year. Jacob is dragged into a ridiculous weekend of comic book convention crowds, counterfeit animation cels, and bloody bar bathroom brawls. He isn’t exactly surprised by what he sees, but he is a little shocked at the lengths Hal is going to achieve his various goals.
Brubaker’s script feels effortless. It flows beautifully and his comfort level writing this issue must be at an all-time high as he dives into the industry in which he works and settling back into one of his best series clearly feels great. If you are not immediately sucked into this story you aren’t paying attention. His ability to create a story that feels both true to life and carries a darker crime plot that most people will never find themselves in is astounding. A damn good story that is simple in plot and ingenious in execution. He continues to embark on a new chapter of his exceptional career. While this chapter will most likely wrap back around to a clear connection with the rest of the series, issue #2 works as both a continuation and its own story. It is a great jumping on point for new readers as well. Hopefully anyone new to “Criminal” or even the rest of Brubaker’s work will be compelled to seek out what has come before.
Sean Phillips modern-noir style is nothing short of phenomenal as expected. His use of lines, shadows, and movement is done so well there are times where it nearly feels like animation. The panel design is framed like a t.v. show and the action flows perfectly. Not only does he excel at creating the look of “Criminal,” but when the narrative calls for a leap into the works of Hal Crane, he is up to the challenge in making 1970s Hannah-Barbera action series style characters. It is artwork like this that reminds you that a comic book should be carried by both the writing and the art because when they work together as they do here, the medium is an unstoppable force in terms of storytelling.
Newcomer (and son of Sean) Jacob Phillips’s colors are exceptional and so masterfully done with a subtlety to them that begs for a closer analysis. With a layered look of light and color waves, his style is an interesting one. Depending on the story beat we are gifted with a simple, but full range of color to make for an everyday look, a bright – blown out palette, or interesting, wild colors that come together to form beautiful shadow and light layers. It is all reminiscent of works from other greats like Matt Hollingsworth, Elizabeth Breitweiser, and Dave Stewart. Every panel is simply gorgeous.
With two comic book greats returning to their own creation, there is always a chance that continuation will be pale in comparison to what started it all, but “Criminal” #2 continues a new and excellent run that is a must buy.
Final Verdict: 9.5, “Criminal” is a nearly flawless return to the series with writing and art so perfectly executed you’ll be amazed that it didn’t just blink into existence.
