A crime story set in the heat of Iraq continues this week as Tom King writes a complex story about a world where America has practically invaded, an American trying to figure out why his man was killed and a woman who works with politicians to get what she wants. It’s a sweet location for a crime drama but is it good?
The Sheriff of Babylon #3 (DC Comics)
Last issue our protagonist, Chris, was tracking down a killer when he found an apartment filled with the bodies of an entire family. It was gross and twisted and even had a cat eating the bodies! The trail has run cold, but this issue shows us sometimes the bad guys get scared and offer more clues.
Why does this book matter?
Tom King knows what he’s talking about here, as he was a CIA agent. So when reading dialogue and discovering these characters, you wonder if they’re real. It’s easy to think so since artist Mitch Gerads renders everything in a hyper realistic way.
Our protagonist.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Christopher’s struggle to uncover the truth is quickly revealed to be a troubling thing in the Iraq world he lives in. A lot of culture shines through in this issue as we see how palms are greased and his inability to solve a crime is nearly impossible. It’s only when things get dicey for certain characters that we discover justice might just be served. But not without some blood being spilled!
Tom King does a fantastic job with the dialogue and it always feels natural and realistic. It’s especially appreciated when tense scenes take place and characters’ lives hang in the balance of every chosen word.
King sets up what could be a fantastic fourth issue as well. The chips are down for quite a few characters and it’s incredibly compelling to see how the plot becomes more and more complex.
Mitch Gerads continues to do fantastic work. This guy could draw storyboards to be used shot for shot and the film would look great. The pace and complexity of each character sings due to the choice of panels, from close ups to establishing shots and layouts that keep the same panel repeating but the characters move about. He has a keen ability to hold your attention no matter the scene.
It can’t be perfect can it?
I can’t say I understand every action every character makes or who everyone is, but maybe that’s the point. This is a mystery after all, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling I should reread everything to make sure my confusion isn’t just being shortsighted.
The price of getting what you want.
Is It Good?
The chips are down and it makes for an exciting and gripping read.
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