Crisis (PlanetMatt)

    (PlanetMatt, 2002)
™ and © PlanetMatt Entertainment

From its inception, creator Matt Busch visualized Crisis as a big-budget, big-thrills cinematic spectacular, and that’s exactly how he confidently and unabashedly pitches it to Hollywood in this illustrated screenplay. Brilliantly conceived and executed, it may or may not ever make it to the big screen, but its conceptual form at least has made it to the bookshelves. And this is too great a work not to be seen in some form or another.

The story takes place in the near future, where the infamous Zodiac Killer has re-emerged from yesterday’s headlines to begin another string of murders, this time in metropolitan Detroit. While detective Bruce Lombardo tracks this serial murderer, he also pursues a persistent gang of criminals, faces trouble at home with his children, and deals with an unexpected crippling accident.

And with a nod to Alfred Hitchcock, James Cameron, and Silence of the Lambs author Thomas Harris, Busch flawlessly lays out a story ripe with suspense, action, tragedy, and superb pacing. Putting this book down, by any meaning of the phrase, is very, very difficult. From the opening scene to the unexpected revelation at story’s end, Busch doesn’t skimp on the twists and surprises that keep this story fresh with every development. And the fact that this is only a script, rather than a fully descriptive narration, makes it all the more amazing.

Although the illustrations don’t begin to convey Busch’s depth as an illustrator (the cover does that by itself), the 100+ pencil and ink drawings accompanying the text are beautifully rendered corollaries. But Busch succumbs to a couple of minor tempting clichés, like a gratuitous battle scene involving an underwear-clad female officer. But these are only momentary distractions and easily forgiven. Hopefully, some Hollywood exec is taking a serious look at Busch’s manuscript, because this story is far superior to most summer blockbusters.

— Jim Johnson
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