Writer: Jeff Mariotte
Artist: Gabriel Hernandez
Publisher: IDW
Apparently there was a one-shot that introduced this whole concept, and somehow I missed it. Basically, what we have here is a group of vampires doing paramilitary work. Smiths (which is a job and not the name) are being terminated around the world, and Benny, the CVO Smith has gone missing. It’s up to the team, ex-supermodel female vampire Britt, a big dark-haired male vampire named Cross, and a smaller blond male vampire named Bools, to track him down. At the same time, an enemy group of vampires led by a male named Akhriel, who turns translucent if you look at him from the corner of your eye, are in the process of getting their hands on an ancient artifact that, until recently, was housed in the Iraqi National Museum.
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot going on here. Like the rest of IDW’s comics (the ones I’ve read anyway), the price tag on this is a little steep at 3.99 American. However, high quality paper and a lack of adverts help to balance out the value. When you throw the innovative ideas and exceptional artwork in, then hopefully you won’t feel too bad about shelling out your moolah. Because this is a very interesting story. The writing, by Mariotte, is fast paced and nicely global. This story is taking place all around the world and we get to follow the action in Italy, Iraq, Berlin, and maybe Russia. I did find myself wishing I’d read the CVO one-shot, so I’d have some idea who these characters were and why they were doing it, but I was willing to suspend my need for that info and just let the story unfold. I’m very interested in seeing what this artifact will be used for, and in finding out just who this Akhriel is. While the CVO team seems kind of generic but endearing, Akhriel really has me intrigued.
Artistically, this comic is a joy. I didn’t know what to expect when I opened it (I bought it on a whim – looking for something new and non-superhero oriented), and boy was I pleasantly surprised. Hernandez’s art is a little sketchy and cartoony at times, but there is a very nice realism at work as well. It reminds me of Kyle Baker’s run on The Shadow many, many years ago. There’s also a kind-of Humanoids Press feel to the art, which is very high praise indeed from my perspective. The linework is solid and the characterizations are all very expressive. There’s no confusing one person for another, or doubting what is going on beneath the dialogue. And when there is a sudden burst of violence, it is shocking and brutal, like good vampire violence should be. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the superb job of coloring that Hernandez does. This fellow is the real deal and a complete package. Lovely work in all departments.
Good stuff. Interesting story, clearly defined characters, excellent arwork. What else do you need? Now I have to go track down that one-shot.
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