Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
The Rinse #1
Boom! Comics
Phillips & Laming
Boom! releases a crime comic book this week called The Rinse that is both a meaty and entertaining read. The first issue introduces the lead character, Jeff Sinclair, and educates the readers about what a rinse actually is. The book then begins to layer a complicated plot to round out a hefty first issue. When you add in that this first issue is only a buck I would say this is a book you shouldn't pass up on even if you have a passing interest in the crime genre.
For the first several pages the caption boxes, as narrated from Sinclair, walk through the various ways to rinse money. These first few pages establish just what kind of character Sinclair is and it also sets up the tone for the book. There are a few clever bits in these first few pages and it is clear that, while illegal, Sinclair and his methods are meant to be charming to the point of heroic.
The issue then launches into the plot by putting out there tiny pieces that slowly add up to something bigger. It all starts when Sinclair is approached by someone at a baseball game about a rinse. Sinclair's street smarts scare him away but things start to unravel from there.
Shady character after shady character begin to appear as Sinclair finds himself getting chased, seduced, followed and lied to. However, as the issue progresses it seems Sinclair isn't such a likable guy either.
The issue is a fun and entertaining read. It's not of the noir style that Brubaker uses in Criminal, but it's more of a straight-up crime drama and it works. It's fast moving where each page is unpredictable. The other highlight of the book is that each page or sequence seems to role out another character that keeps the reader guessing as to his or her intentions. Overall the comic book has a lot of good things to offer up for fans of the genre or newbies.
The artwork follows the style of Criminal or Existence 2.0 where the line work is simple but effective. The panel layouts frequently play on the drama as a scene will start out from a distance and each subsequent panel moves closer in towards one character. It's subtle but helps the story along perfectly. Also like Criminal, this book uses very muted colors except when dealing with some of the pieces that need to stand out – like the femme fatales. The artwork is perfect for this genre and this series.
The Rinse is something to check out and not just because of the price. The comic book is a real page-turner and has me impatiently waiting for the second issue. Even if crime comic books aren't normally your thing, for a buck how can you go wrong? I can't imagine fans of the genre turning this one away. Either way I think you will like what you find. I definitely recommend this comic book.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
