Retribution

(Creative Elements, 2003)
™ and ©2003 Creative Elements

Retribution is the story of Philip J. Michael, a man who was unjustly killed and has returned from the dead to fight crime. Sound familiar? That’s because this story’s been done already, and better, in the pages of James O’Barr’s The Crow. Vin Varvara and Mike Phillips make a valiant attempt at something different, but the plot is so derivative that it’s difficult to find anything at all to like.

Normally, if a plot seems recycled from a prior work but the comic book has terrific art, then the lack of originality can be forgiven. Unfortunately, Phillips’ art shows a lack of understanding about such basic art concepts as anatomy, line weight, physics, and depth — all of which makes for an unpleasant reading experience.

The second issue is an improvement; there’s less focus on chopping off limbs and decapitation and more on Michael’s dual identity and his relationship with his friends in New Orleans. If Varvara and Phillips can continue to improve (a good book on anatomy would be a boon), then they might be a team to look out for in the future.

— Steve Horton

Jump to issue:

Notes

Writer

Artist