With both style and substance to spare, “Vertigo Quarterly” begins its year long ode to four color comics with a mixed but enjoyable batch of stories.
Written by Various
Illustrated by VariousThe four colors that are the basis of comics coloring serve as the jumping-off point for creators to push the boundaries of short graphic fiction in the new VERTIGO QUARTERLY: CMYK series. Starting with stunningly simple, bold covers, CMYK will defy all conventions of traditional comics anthologies. The unifying color could suggest a mood, a plot point, a coloring technique – limited only by the imagination of the fantastic creators we’ve lined up. And starting with CYAN, we have tales by some of the best talents in comics – a who’s who of creative minds. Jock, Fabio Moon, James Tynion IV, Robert Rodi, Shaun Simon, Amy Chu, Joe Keatinge, Cris Peter, Tony Akins and more will take on the challenge of telling compelling stories that scream cool “blue.” VERTIGO QUARTERLY: CMYK will continue through 2014 with MAGENTA in summer, YELLOW in fall and finally BLACK in winter. Be prepared to see color as only Vertigo can deliver!
“Vertigo Quarterly” is an unexpected but welcome surprise from DC’s wayward mature readers imprint. We’ve seen similar anthology one-shots released over the past few years, such as “Strange Adventures” and “Mystery in Space.” However, “Quarterly,” or “CMYK” as it is also known, feels like a much more sincere effort, combining a strong theme with fresh creative talent in a year long endeavor.
First, let’s talk about that wonderful cover that can only be described as “artsy.” I mean that in the most genuine of terms, although I’m hardly a veritable art critic. Jared K. Fletcher’s simplistic design is artistic in a broader sense than your typical comic book cover. It’s reminiscent of the four color inspired “Solo,” but “Vertigo Quarterly” takes the theme even further. The cover is striking, and arguably flawless in its execution. Even the minimalistic trade dressing contributes to the overall feel of the cover.
However, there’s one major flub in regard to the cover design, and that’s the back cover. What could have been a seamless, singular package is marred by a garrish DC house ad. One has to wonder if the minuscule number of copies of Son of Batman said ad will sell is worth the compromising of this issue’s design integrity, one of the issue’s primary selling points.
The level of care and though put into the issue is not only evidenced by the (front) cover, but by the impressive creative line-up contained inside. Big names like Tony Akins, Jock, James Tynion IV and Fabio Moon are joined by a number of extremely talented up and comers like Amy Chu and Martin Morazzo. Like any anthology, there’s a mix of hits and misses. Surprisingly, many of the hits are from the lesser known creators, rather than the established guard. Hopefully this series will become a sort of “proving ground,” leading to more work for the newer talent.
Not every story adequately incorporates the “Cyan” theme, and the ones that do aren’t always the best stories, making the already abstract theme feel somewhat diluted. However, there are a number of “blue” themes running through most of the stories; nostalgia and loss being the most prevalent.
Sadly, an in-depth analysis would take far too long. In lieu of that, here are a few quick blurbs and a rating for each story:
“Serial Artist” by Shaun Simon and Tony Akins
This twisted little tale of couple of serial killer/undertakers is short, simple, and extremely disturbing. Akins’ style feels considerably different that his more recent work, almost reminiscent of a smoother Frank Quitely. Simon makes great use of the short page count to tell an engaging story with building tension, delivering a morbid Twilight Zone-esque twist. The use of “cyan” is minimal, but certainly unique.
Verdict: 2/5
“918” by Joe Keatinge and Ken Garing
This story has sparked a bit of controversy, as Joe Keatinge has gone on record to say that the story that appears here is not the one that he and Ken Garing created. The implication of editorial alteration is certainly disheartening, but the finished product is still rather enjoyable. The story of a washed up man looking for a high to escape his troubles, “918” is a psychedelic romp of debauchery. Garing pays tribute to the history of four color through series of zoomed panels, wherein dots of colored ink grow larger and more distinguished. Like many stories contained in the issue, there’s a rather morbid but undeniably humorous twist.
Continued belowVerdict: 4/5
“Blue Sundae” by Lee Garbett and Jock
Any story with Jock art is going to be one to look out for. This short, co-written by fellow artist Lee Garbett, is arguably one of the strangest in the entire issue. Apparently this is a world with demon fighting “Ice Cream Men.” The bookending poem toes the line between serious and tongue and cheek, further muddling the “tone” of the story. It’s hard to peg this story down, and while it’s a great concept for an ongoing series (seriously, make it happen), it’s not given enough room to come into its own.
Verdict: 3/5
“So Blue” by Amy Chu and Alitha Martinez
The story of a washed up musician and her disdain for the younger artists who have usurped her, “So Blue” is a commentary on both the state of pop culture, social media, and society in general. If you’ve ever walked into a room full of people on their phones, Amy Chu and Alitha Martinez are totally making fun on of those people. However, there’s far more to the story than simply berated teenagers, with several powerful emotions coming to the forefront. However, the story’s abrupt resolution feels unearned.
Verdict: 2/5
“Much Ado About Nothing” by Monty Nero and Al Davison
Arguably the best story in the book, Nero and Davison present a Minority Report-esque agency deciphering three mysterious codes. Interoffice politics get in the way of the work of protagonist Maggie, who believes the numbers are far more than anyone could imagine. With a script and dialogue that stands tall with the likes of Morrison or Hickman, and incredibly smart page design by Davison, this is a terrific standalone tale. Like “Serial Artist,” the incorporation of “cyan” is subtle but completely unique.
Verdict: 5/5
“Rebolt” by Cris Peter and Ana Koehler
In steampunk world where users of coal and electricity are at war, the real enemy is the same as ever, big business! Peter and Koehler create a well realized and convincing world in a short amount of time, so much so that this feels like a pitch for an ongoing series. I’m not sure if Vertigo intends to use “Vertigo Quarterly” as a testing ground for new books, but if any deserves another go at it, it’s “Rebolt.” (Although “Blue Sundae” might beat it.)
Verdict: 3/5
“Madame Bluebeard” by Robert Rodi and Javi Fernandez
Set in 60’s Hollywood, “Madame Bluebeard” marries an extremely interesting premise with Shakespearian tragedy. The story of a young homosexual actor, forced to hide behind female “arm candy,” is told by a rotating cast of narrators with varying styles. This makes for a story that is occasionally hard to follow, but with a ton of nuance for those who give it time. Fernandez’s art is perfect for genre and era. Rodi and Fernandez arguably deliver the most surprising twist of the entire issue. Overall, “Madame Bluebeard” is one of the issue’s standouts.
Verdict: 4/5
“Once Upon The End of Time” by James Tynion IV and Martin Morazzo
Another strong outing, Tynion and Morazzo’s post-apocalyptic tale blends broken technology and magic in this somber story of lover and loss. Morazzo, of “Great Pacific,” creates a beautiful world for readers to inhabit, consisting of ruined forests, broken desert plains, ancient temples and futuristic crystal monoliths. Morazzo’s style brings fellow artist Jamie McKelvie to mind. Therefore, as you might expect, his characters are wonderfully emotive. The cold sci-fi tone belies the warm heart that lies beneath, and the story’s resolution is powerfully subtle.
Verdict: 4/5
“Breaking News of the Wonders the Future Holds” by Fabio Moon
Sadly, Moon’s outing is the issue’s shortest. Still, “Breaking News” is a terrific finishing point that captures the more hopeful side of blue. Opening with fantastic Beatles reference and a John Lennon look-alike, “Breaking News” depicts the immediate fallout of the demise of two mens’ livelihoods. Even in the face of loss, of “the end,” Moon leaves readers hopeful. The story can be interpreted in many ways, but there’s a very overt reference DC’s upcoming move to from NY to LA that retroactively shades the rest of the story. Moon’s cartooning is absolutely top notch, making for the best looking story in the book.
Continued belowVerdict: 5/5
“Vertigo Quarterly: Cyan” is an incredibly impressive debut for the new anthology. While the theme doesn’t quite hold, and the production isn’t quite as strong as it should be, there’s quite a lot to enjoy in these pages. DC doesn’t do projects like this very often, and it’s refreshing to see such a niche labor of love hit the stands. Come for the names you know and love, stay for the new creators you’ll fall in love with. With nine diverse and enjoyable stories, you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy.
Final Verdict: 7.8 – Buy
