Criminal #10
John Jack
Recap
We touch back on the noir roots of the franchise in a two-part story that begins with Dan Farraday, the detective we followed way back when (issue four maybe?) as he attempts to track down Jane with some romantic notion of rescue from the villainous Teeg Lawless.
Meanwhile Ricky finds out that Teeg and Jane plan to move on without him. A fight ensues and to Ricky's own shock he begins to fight back to no avail. As Jane patches him up she drops a bombshell no child wants to hear. "You aren't part of the plan."
Our two stories converge in two people who want the same thing, the separation of Teeg and Jane.
Review
The story continues to unfurl masterfully as master storyteller Ed Brubaker doles out just enough information to leave me ravenous for more of “Cruel Summer.” I love the two vignettes and the way they unexpectedly intertwine makes you slap your forehead, of course they meet! Brilliant! As I keep telling you guys (like you ever listen to me anyway!) this is top tier next level stuff. The best stuff. Get on it.
The fight between Ricky and Teeg reminded me of yet another childhood moment, the day I realized I was bigger than my Dad. I recognized that small moment of triumph in Ricky’s eyes as he landed possibly his first punch ever on Teeg, unfortunately that spark may lead to another realization; If it bleeds he can kill it.
The art by Sean Phillips (who won a Ringo Award for Best Artist recently, many congrats) and son/colorist Jacob Phillips craft fantastic narrative, culminating in the above mentioned fight scene. Oddly though that isn’t my favorite scene in the book. I love the visuals as Farraday patches himself up following his own beating (another parallel between the two stories) it is so raw and visceral in it’s graphic gore. I love it.
Final Thoughts
Criminal is an amazing series and should be read by all. Maybe not small children. By most. Criminal is an amazing series and should be read by most.
Criminal #10: Winter is Coming
- Writing - 9.5/109.5/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10
