Ruule: Kiss & Tell

(Beckett, 2004-2005)
™ and © 2004 Beckett Comics

Now, this is entertaining. Kiss and Tell, like the previous volume of Ruule, is a retelling of a classic Bible story. In this case, it’s the tale of Samson, but with the Mafia, big tough guys, and beautiful women. Craig Rousseau, known for his work on Impulse and DC’s animated tie-ins, turns in a spectacular performance this time. Jeff Amano’s script is a winner, though it’s about as faithful an adaptation as O Brother Where Art Thou? was of The Odyssey.

The one drawback, and it is a big one, is a scene of ultraviolence in the climax involving a severed limb. Sure, it refers to the Biblical story, but the violence doesn’t fit the classic noir feel of the other issues. This series wouldn’t feel out of place as a classic black-and-white noir film, if not for that scene.

Sam the Swede, the Samson of this story, is an outstanding character. He has a weakness for women that The Mafia uses to full advantage. Other than that one graphic scene, Ruule: Kiss and Tell is a winner.

— Steve Horton

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