THE FADE OUT #1 is on sale August 20, 2014.
The Good
We may have seen the end of FATALE by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips but this week marks the debut issue of their latest series, THE FADE OUT. What can be said about the creative pairing of these two that hasn't already been said. There's a reason Image Comics has given these two a five year deal where they can put out comics about whatever they want.
THE FADE OUT takes us back to Hollywood in the year 1948. Depending on how much of the behind the scenes history you're familiar with, you might have an idea of the general vibe for this time period and setting. There is a heavy noir feel as we drop in on Hollywood screenwriter, Charlie Parish, the night after a big party. As he struggles to recall everything that happened the night before, we get a series of flashbacks that further fleshes out the world he resides in. There is a bit of darkness and violence as the pieces of the puzzle are put together until we discover why this is labeled a crime story.
There is a refreshing feel of reading comics with average and sometimes flawed characters (compared to superhero comics). It adds more of a sense of realism and keeps you on the edge of your seat because all of the problems that pop up won't be wrapped up nice and neatly. You have to love having books like this.
It's up to Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser to further bring the characters and world to life. They create the perfect atmosphere and you'll find you didn't realize how much of this time period and setting you've been wanting to see and read. Simply put, it all looks so dang good.
The Bad
These creators have a proven track record. There's nothing to complain about unless you simply don't care for noir stories in this time period.
The Verdict
It's time to reconfigure your comic buying budget as the latest new series from Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Elizabeth Breitweiser is calling out for you. As you would expect, this is a pure story with amazing visuals. It's a great look at this dark time period in Hollywood during the late 1940s and you'll immediately find yourself hooked. You've read any of Brubaker and Phillips' previous series, you pretty much know exactly what to expect. If you haven't read any of their work before, you are indeed in for a treat. Bottom line: buy this book.
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