Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artists: Angel Medina and Jamie Toglason
Publisher: Image
I don't know anything about Spawn. The most excited I've ever been about anything related to Todd McFarlane was the announcement of his upcoming Lost toy line. Why would I be interested in a trade paperback collection of a spinoff series of a title I couldn't care less about? Well, I do know the name Brian Michael Bendis. That alone was enough to get me to jump on this collection, cleverly titled Sam and Twitch: the Brian Michael Bendis Collection Vol. 1.
On the surface Sam and Twitch seem to be polar opposites; Max "Twitch" Williams is a skinny, almost nerdy do-gooder who calls his detective partner "sir." Sam Burke is a heavy-set potty mouth who seems more concerned with the particular donut he's devouring than the mutilated bodies he comes across. Some of their features may seem a bit stereotypical, but as the story progresses layer upon layer of each "hero" in the duo is peeled away. Angel Medina's art often reveals more about the characters than the dialogue does, capturing their unique quirks and mannerisms. It's fun to see their relationship as the only honest cops in New York City evolve, and their clever dialogue and sharp wit keeps the story from dragging on. Despite their many flaws, they remain extremely likeable.
The story - "Udaku" - reminds me a bit of Bendis's Powers. Two cops encounter multiple homicides of a supernatural sort. The murders lead Sam and Twitch into an investigation that gets personal as a major crime boss makes her move with a legion of superpowers beings at her side. Spawn plays a negligible role in the proceedings; his brief appearances are either hilarious or so cool visually that they make for quick diversions that interrupt the flow of the story in a good way. Call it elevator music, if you will. My sole complaint in regards to the story (and it's a big one) is that it doesn't end in a satisfying manner. It's a shame, considering the impeccable build-up. The mystery behind the white-garbed antagonist bio-weapon subplot that provides much of the suspense in the early going is never expanded upon. Twitch's final action is unpredictable and well-delivered, but otherwise the conclusion is rushed and disappointing.
Separate from the main story "arc" is the final issue collected in this edition, penciled by Jamie Toglason. It's a powerful self-contained tale told entirely through a first-person viewpoint of a criminal whose day goes from bad to much, much worse. So much is accomplished through the art, from the man's perspective of a poker game to his mad dashes through alleyways. Few words are spoken, but Toglason communicates the man's mindless terror through the frantic pacing and off-kilter perspectives.
A few technical problems affect the overall enjoyment of this TPB. Due to the nature of Medina's art and Bendis's script, double-page spreads that likely flowed well in the monthly format don't work here. The binding is deep, resulting in lost art and dialogue on more than a few occasions. Large grids of small panels can sometimes be difficult to follow when two of them are in succession.
Another slight problem (which, in all fairness, is also sometimes an asset) is the lettering technique. The book forgoes traditional word balloons, instead simply placing the words on the page with a squiggly line indicating who's speaking. In a few instances it creates confusion, but over time the characters' voices are so well-defined and unique that it usually doesn't cause major trouble. In addition to covering up less art, the lettering style feels more connected to the pages. It's not inaccurate to say that the dialogue is part of the artwork.
Sam and Twitch: The Brian Michael Bendis Collection v1 is an essential addition to the library of any Bendis fan. He crafts a fascinating story that ends with an unfortunate sputter, but nonetheless delivers much of the crime noir-y goodness expected from this writer. I'll be on the look-out for volume two.
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