A comiXologist Recommends:
Kate Kasenow recommends Hawkeye #21
Long ago, before comiXology even featured reviews—before comiXology even had a tumblr presence, we had the staff picks and the first book I chose for my pick was Hawkeye #1. At that time, the series was a refreshing change of pace—so much so that it revitalized my interest in the entire superhero genre of comics. I truly believe that it’s at least partially the success of Hawkeye that has catapulted the success of other offbeat Marvel series (which also just so happen to number among my favorites) such as She-Hulk, Thor: God of Thunder, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and more.
Now, as the Hawkeye series draws to a close, I feel like it’s my duty to tell each and every one of you that it is still one of the most incredibly well-written and illustrated series out there today.
Not only is Matt Fraction’s (mattfraction) writing succinctly marvelous, but it’s also visceral in the most genuine sense. In the time we’ve taken to get here, to #21, these characters have all found their distinct New York—and sometimes Californian—voices. Sometimes, it’s what Fraction doesn’t write coupled with David Aja’s unique artistic style that leaves us curled up on the floor in a puddle of emotions. While this series may have had its share of guest artists, Aja’s work truly shines as representative of the work that started us all on this incredible journey.
And this issue is just the beginning of the end—for Clint, his building fellows, Pizza Dog, as well as the team of Fraction and Aja. They’ve taken this time to highlight a few characters we’ve barely met as well as strengthen characters we thought we knew. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this first part of an amazing finale.
For fans of: Superheroes, drama, and action
Kate Kasenow is a comics artist from Indiana currently living in Manhattan. She works at ComiXology as a Lead Digital Editor and spends most of her spare time re-reading J. R. R. Tolkien.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Michael Crowe recommends The Kursk #1
Tired of stories about fictional characters? Then pick up our newest Comixology Submit book:
The Kursk #1 is a story about honor and duty for your nation. It’s also a story about relationships, be they international, marital, or fraternal. It is the real story behind a nearly forgotten headline and a way to immortalize all those who were lost on August 12th 2000.
Originally written as a play, Sasha Janowicz’s script recounts a real life tragedy; the sinking of the Russian submarine K-141 Kursk. The story centers on two young officers, Rashyd and Dmitry, as they prepare to depart on a three day training exercise. This first issue captures the mundanity of life, before tragedy strikes. It also introduces us to the joys, fears and passions that drive these characters. A sense of foreboding hovers over everything; we already know what fate awaits them.
Andrea Montano’s art, rendered in a soft grayscale, is haunting. It evokes the feeling of an old, blurry, well worn photography. This style lends a timelessness to the tale, although the events happened only fourteen years ago. Andrea adeptly illustrates the many kinds of ships, submersibles, and weapons featured in the narrative. Each character is handled with the same attention to detail. Every face is unique, representing a life lost or ruined by the unexpected. The cover, designed by Slawomir Nietupski, reflect the sensibilities of the interior. Immediately the atmosphere is established, inviting the reader on a journey deep into the heart of tragedy. Together, this creative team effortlessly translates this story across mediums; from the stage to the page.
[Read The Kursk #1 on comiXology]
Michael Crowe works on the digital assets/launch team by day and writes comics and prose by night. He’s an avid consumer of comics and all things sci-fi.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Leah Wishnia recommends The Package (thepackageogn)
The Package, written by elliotblake with art by Alexis Ziritt (aziritt) is a dark and gripping novel of revenge and retribution that will keep you holding your breath till the last gasp.
The first scene takes place in the desert of Mexico, at a hideaway resort called “Vista Del Sol.” We are introduced to two foul-mouthed, violent, and misogynist gang members who are given a mission to pick up a mysterious package. At this point I wonder if we’ll have to spend the whole narrative following these two bums around, enduring their sexist remarks and over-the-top Machismo-driven egos. I am then delighted to find that a twist in events reveals that Paz, a beautiful and cunning young Mexican woman with an unassuming role as a cook at the resort is the true protagonist of this story. WIth a dark past and a specific vision for the future, she reveals herself as a modern-day Bonnie with a mission to avenge her father’s death and the loss of her own childhood and innocence. She picks out her Clyde, the sole-surviving man of a shoot-out, and together they prepare to seek out the one who wreaked havoc on their lives.
Further heightening the hard-boiled yet striking nature of the story is Ziritt’s black and white brushwork, which evokes raw emotion, passion, and energy, never missing its mark. Fans of the Hernandez brothers’ Love and Rockets may find resonance with the work as well as any readers of more gritty crime novels and comics, such as Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight or From Hell. I must issue a warning, however, that there are scenes of sexual abuse and violence that may not sit well with all, and reader discretion is advised. Otherwise, I highly recommend checking out the fresh and bold take on contemporary crime in The Package, and get your heart rate thumping with it.
For fans of: crime, gangster, action, drama
Leah Wishnia is an independent cartoonist and publisher who holds the position of Digital Assets Lead at ComiXology.