Due to global warming the world is more or less a frozen wasteland. It’s 57 years into the future and Los Angeles is cold and snowing. How would society respond? This series aims to show us, but is it good?
Frostbite #3 (Vertigo)
So what’s it about? The full summary reads:
The high-action futuristic Western from the writer of THE FLASH and the creator of Empty Zone kicks into high gear! Keaton has managed to get Vic out of Los Angeles, but the trouble is only just starting. The mysterious Boss Burns knows the precious cargo that Vic is carrying, and he wants it for himself. He’s put a price on the women’s heads, and now all of the nastiest gangs of the frozen American wasteland are barreling down on them, guns drawn and ready to claim the prize.
Why does this book matter?
Joshua Williamson has written a tense and gritty series so far that’s turning out to be a thrill to read. Jason Shawn Alexander has brought a grit to the visuals and then some with a style that’s so realistic you’d wager he drew over photographs. Combine that to a horrifying future that could very well come true and you have a series you best keep your eyes on.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Ah, LA in the summer…
Frostbite continues as a main villain is introduced this week and based on how he treats his employees, it’s very bad news for the protagonists. In four pages Williamson delivers a scene that gives us key information, shows the temperament of the villain, and also raises the stakes just a little bit more. Cutting to our heroes it’s clear the stakes apparently can get raised even further with much of the rest of the issue turning into an action sequence. If you were to judge this series by this issue alone you’d think the pace was anything but frozen–in many ways it reads like a big action flick. The introduction of two other new threats gives this issue a Mad Max: Fury Road vibe to boot. All in all this is a fun and fast paced action series.
Alexander continues to do fine work as well. His layouts are interesting and imaginative, like in one sequence where the protagonist must use a sniper weapon to take out some enemies. In four panels we get a setup of the impending violence, the reaction of the driver, a closeup of the muzzle of the gun, and finally the result…and that’s just half the page! Later, there’s some great use of red silhouettes of the enemies getting taken down that’s reminiscent of something an edgy director might use in a film. Whenever there is violence there’s an immediacy to the characters, be it their reactions or lack thereof that reminds you there are real lives being taken. The violence is meaningful and felt through the drawings, which adds to the reality of the situations.
It can’t be perfect can it?
This is a case where the plot may be moving too fast for its own good. Not so much the entire issue, but a major turn of events seemingly comes out of nowhere which thrusts the characters down a new path I didn’t see coming. That’s exciting, though a major loss isn’t as meaningful due to the pace at which it occurs. I’m sure there will be some fallout next issue to reminisce and reflect, but events occur too quickly to process reducing the effect here.
This dude is nuts. More please!
Is It Good?
Frostbite is hard hitting and genuine in its ability to make violence seem meaningful and real. This issue speeds ahead too quickly at times, but it’s still well worth your time. Frostbite is gritty real and thrilling. Do not miss it!
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