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ANCIENT HISTORY #19: GRIMJAAAAAAAAACK

John Jack
9.2/10

Grimjack #2

Author(s): John Ostrander

Artist(s): Tim Truman

Colorist(s): John Workman

Letterer: Janice Cohen

Publisher: First Comics

Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Thriller

Published Date: 09/01/1984

By John Jack

 on 

Recap

It's time yet again for ANCIENT HISTORY and what do we have this week but a dive into the realm (planet?) Cynosure and a dip into the life of one John Gaunt, GRIMJACK!!!!!

We open with Grimjack tending bar in Munden's his bar. A small boy comes in and offers Gaunt his entire life savings, a single penny. Grimjack is honored to be worth that much to a small child and accepts. Throwing his coat on they go to meet the boy's mother. The boys mother tells Gaunt that the father has left to try his luck in a fighting arena as part of a desperate attempt to make some much needed money.

Grimjack arrives at the arena and finds it ruled by a genetically engineered monster called Butcherboy. Tracking down the boys father Grimjack takes his place and we're off to the races in a fantastically rendered battle by series artist Tim Truman.

Review

Grimjack rules, that’s all there is to it. This series is top notch but this issue is a standout in my mind. I love the way Grimjack’s altruism comes out but this issue also does a lot to advance the ongoing narrative, truly masterful. John Ostrander does a great job of making a rough and tough badass that’s three dimensional and human. I love the way Grimjack interacts with the kid and the way the fight ends is perfection.

Likewise the art by Tim Truman, who I mainly know as the writer who took on Conan after Kurt Busiek, is really good and fits perfectly with the old newsprint interior pages, rough and gritty. Amazing. I love the design for Butcherboy who is this giant hulking monstrosity. It’s just a great book all around.

This book can be easily found in the wild (I got my copy in a 50-cent bin) as a single issue or more rarely in the out of print (yet still available on Amazon for approximately $40) Grimjack Omnibus #1 paperback omnibus.

Final Thoughts

Grimjack is awesome! If you find this or any other Grimjack you buy it! Thanks for reading, see you next week!

ANCIENT HISTORY #19: GRIMJAAAAAAAAACK
  • Writing - 9/10
    9/10
  • Storyline - 9/10
    9/10
  • Art - 9/10
    9/10
  • Color - 9/10
    9/10
  • Cover Art - 10/10
    10/10
9.2/10
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