Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #1 of 6
Image Comics
Jordan, Moore & Sobreiro
The first issue of the Luther Strode mini-series doesn't hide what the book is going to be known as: violent. Violence in comic books is tricky because any book that focuses on violence has the potential to have the feeling that's been done before. However, this book feels fresh. I am not claiming that the story doesn't feel like I've read it before but the look and the vibe of the book feels new and is executing in an entertaining way. I enjoyed this book and plan to stick with the mini-series.
This book is like a ton of the other stories in how the characters are set up. Luther is a skinny, non-distinct kid that lives with his mom in a modest apartment. Luther has a loyal friend, Pete, and a girl he likes but isn't quite sure if she likes him in Petra. Pete and Petra don't appear to be anything special in their own rights making them the perfect match for the seemingly anonymous existence of Luther.
Luther does draw some attention from jocks. Of course, the jocks make Luther a target for some bullying and Luther is physically overmatched. Luther shows some bravery but its false bravado because he just can't compete. Or can he?
To this point there is nothing new about this book. However, Jordan injects something unique into this issue. If you have ever read a comic book that was published prior to 1985 you may have noticed the advertisements for pills in order to make you a muscle-bound mountain. Well, Luther partakes in something similar and the results are staggering.
The book is told mostly in flashbacks as the scenes that seem to be set in the present have a much more ferocious tone to them. If I were to connect the dots here it seems others have access to this drug and the results are similar to those of Luther in the origin portion of the book.
The book excels in the artwork. There are two completely different looks that this book takes on and they both help drive the story into something very unique. The first is Kick-Ass. The line work and detail in the blood and violence is very similar to that of Kick-Ass and it plays perfectly against the familiar skinny kid beats down a bully story. Secondly, this book takes a look of that of Chew with regards to its awkwardly unique character depictions and reactions. It has almost a cartoon-like look to it that helps to make characters like Luther appear even more bizarre than the story lets on. This book has terrific artwork all around.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Sure, the concept has been done to death but this feels fresh because of the inspiration of the magic pills and the character execution. I actually found myself cheering on young Luther, even when he seemed out of control. Add in that the art brought something special to the issue and I feel like I found something that is going to be end up being really good once the mini runs its course. I definitely recommend checking this book out.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
