Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Pretty Deadly #1
Image Comics
DeConnick, Rios, Bellaire & Cowles
Pretty Deadly seems to be, at first, a western. This is the first incorrect assumption among probably a bunch going into this book. This book can't be easily classified in a genre and while it does take place in the old west and it contains horses, gun slinging and small towns, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The comic is a deep look at love, revenge, magic, loyalty and mistakes that haunt you. It's a good start to what looks to be a great series.
The book is narrated as a flashback as seen through the eyes of a bunny and a butterfly. However, their involvement (if any) in the story is not clear and this presents a bit of deception. The story within the flashback is much more straight forward than the strangeness of the opening.
The book then picks up with an old man and a young woman performing for a group of people in a town. The tale is a poem that shows some excellent creativity on the part of DeConnick and allows the reader to get an understanding of the character that has yet to be unveiled. This scene also sets in motion the events that will drive the book.
DeConnick puts a nice dovetail on this particular issue as the events in the small town come back into play by the end of the book. By the book's conclusion we also get an introduction into the female character that is stalking the main group.
The book has a lot to like in it. There are dark elements in here that drive the mysteriousness of the characters that DeConnick rolls out. However, the old, blind man has a softness to him that becomes apparent when he seeks shelter towards the end. There is a sadness to the love lost aspect of this relationship, but the reader seems to be led to believe there is some hope that the love hasn't disappeared entirely. The balancing act that DeConnick does here helps to make this book stand out.
Rios creates a gorgeous book. The comic certainly looks and feels the part of a western, but Rios adds more to the comic than simply a western backdrop. The comic puts out a vibe that speaks to the depressing aspects of the story while still providing a small glimmer of hope at some key points. The book's art alone demands a second read through to pick up on the subtle nuisances that Rios leaves here and there. This is a terrific visual companion to the story.
Pretty Deadly isn't Jonah Hex or Dark Tower or Conan or Red Sonja and yet it's all of them. The comic book takes some tiny elements from stories such as those but puts its own spin on them to create a unique genre and what looks to be a great story. I urge you to pick this comic book up but it's something to study and not simply read. Either way I am fairly certain you'll be entertained.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
