| Last of the Independents |
 Running out of time here today and I really wanted to write about this - so I'll keep it short and sweet. Finished reading Last of the Independents a couple of days ago and found it rather enjoyable. It's a unique original graphic novel from writer Matt Fraction and artist Kieron Dwyer.
No alien invaders. No superheroes in spandex. Just a guy named Cole, his girl Justine, their friend Billy, and a plan to rob a little money and get set up happily-ever-after. Unfortunately things don't go nearly as planned. Cole and the gang end up angering a sadistic mob boss named Vincenzo Francone, who sends his lackey Pascal to take care of things. But the situation goes from bad to worse before coming to a poignant conclusion. Fraction scripts a fine caper story. A great premise. Memorable characters. Some fun twists in narrative structure. The guy's got writing chops. Dwyer's artwork is sensational. I lingered over the art on ever page. His linework is wonderful. His action sequences pulse with activity. Plus, the book is printed in a landscape format on parchment-like paper with a sort of sepia coloring effect. It's very unique, is a perfect match for the type of story, and really makes the book a feast for the eyes. It's the best action movie you'll never see in the theater. Read it. I might lend you my copy if you ask nicely. |