rawrimadragon's The Black Beetle #1 - No Way Out, Part 1 of 4 review

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    Black Beetle: No Way Out Of Missing This Book!

    THE OVERVIEW:

    Do you feel that there aren’t many good noir stories out there nowadays? Do you crave pulp in not just your orange juice, but in your comics as well? Well, Francesco Francavilla might have what you need right here with his #1 issue of The Black Beetle.

    In this issue, we see the title character on the case of some mobster crime lords up to no good. As soon as the action explodes from the pages, this book doesn’t let up for a second. Get ready for some intense mystery solving, some good old-fashioned sleuthing, and an entertaining time in the realm of classic noir.

    THE GOOD:

    What makes this book stand out from the rest is that it is hitting a genre that is rarely explored these days. Everything about this book screams classic noir. From the detective-style narration to the old school way of how these panels are drawn, this book is really bringing home the theme of pulp.

    The real hero of this book has got to be the art. Francavilla not only orchestrates this grand mysterious plot, but also produces these gorgeously gritty panels that capture the essence of the 1920s. You can really get a sense for the time period we are dealing with and it adds to the realness of the reading experience. The colors also smartly accent this whole theme. Just by playing with contrast, we get more richly detailed panels and the shadows playing off the dark colors just evoke this natural feeling of suspense that is absolutely thrilling. Speaking of the panels, they were uniquely done here. I appreciated the artistic choice of just having them blend with one another and flow freely. These aren’t choppy squares that we are accustomed to seeing in comic books but rather these are glimpses of scenes that transition so naturally into each other that it is almost like watching a pulp film.

    THE BAD:

    So far I like the concept of the Black Beetle but I hope Francesco Francavilla will develop the character in a more unique way with the issues to follow. For now, the title character is the generic pulp detective protagonist except he seems to have a lot of technology. For now he is like a more arrogant and clumsy version of a watered-down Batman. I’d love for Black Beetle to really come into his own persona, but as far as this issue goes, there is really nothing that separates him from any other hero we have seen before.

    THE VERDICT:

    This book really was a thrilling and fun experience. I don’t know why noir books aren’t that common nowadays but they should be because they are downright entertaining. The mystery and suspense is truly captivating. It is more fun seeing a character that is more human and knowing that something really bad might happen at any moment. This is really staying true to the classic outline of a hero just wanting justice for his/her city and I feel like going back to the basics is sometimes a very refreshing thing to do.

    In today’s comic world, amidst all the hoopla of the New 52 and Marvel NOW! it is incredibly easy for a book like this from a publisher like Dark Horse to get lost in the shuffle. However, if you are looking for something different, and are willing to look beyond the two big companies, then I feel like this book is a fantastic glimpse into what else is out there. Don’t let this book slip by you if you can still find it on your local comic shop’s stands (and until Dark Horse gets onboard the Comixology train, I suggest that being the only way you try reading this lol)

    4/5 stars. A solid start to what I am sure will be a great pulpy story. I cannot help but recommend it to all who are willing to give this noir thing a chance. Who knows, you might get hooked.

    Other reviews for The Black Beetle #1 - No Way Out, Part 1 of 4

      Colt City 0

      The Good : This issue is why i love pulp story telling so much. It had grit and grim YET you can smile through out the issue. This isnt a origin issue but it really doesnt need to be one. This is basic issue of crime in a city cult Colt City in the 1920s era. I really love Francesco art! i mean these are freaking sick. The double page spread blew my mind actually. HOLY SHIT. This better get the hardcover love. The unique gadgets were really cool as well. The villain is leaves me with a bunch of ...

      1 out of 3 found this review helpful.

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