Lurid

    (IDW, 2002-2003)
™ and © Idea + Design Works LLC

Lurid, indeed. A strip joint with illegal prostitution that employs testosterone-poisoned bouncers is busted by crooked and abusive cops. If Lee and Huntley’s world were any seedier, there’d be birds pecking at it, but, then again, there’s only so much vice that can fit into 32 pages.

Lee and Huntley evoke a strangely twisted fascination with this kind of world, à la Pulp Fiction or David Lapham’s Stray Bullets. And, like Tarantino or Lapham, they manage to evoke paradoxical feelings of vengeful satisfaction and reluctant sympathy — for pretty despicable characters, no less. These characters take turns doing unto others but get their come-uppance when others do worse unto them.

Also as in Lapham’s series, the art is beautiful in its simplicity, with minimal backgrounds, as though the intent isn’t to dazzle but, instead, to simply convey this issue’s dark fable, namely: Revenge really is sweet, as long as you get the final word. This is IDW’s best book that doesn’t feature vampires or licensed properties.

— Jim Johnson
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  • 1
    #1
    Aug 2002
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Paul Lee  ·  A: Adam Huntley
    B&W
    3 copies from $2.75
  • 2
    #2
    Dec 2002
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Paul Lee  ·  A: Adam Huntley
    B&W
    2 copies from $0.60
  • 3
    #3
    May 2003
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Paul Lee  ·  A: Adam Huntley
    B&W
    3 copies from $2.99