DRY SPELL #1Written by Ken Krekeler
Art by Ken Krekeler
Action Lab: Danger Zone
This will be a spoiler free review.
Note: I know I already reviewed this before a
month ago but have yet to find the original review …. Soooooooooo … here we go
again.
Our
story opens in a world of super heroes and our main character, Tom Ferris, is “enjoying”
a mundane life as an office worker. At night, he dreams of the life he used to
have … among the super heroic elite. And then … one day at work, that door to
the elite starts to open again and things will never be the same.
ART:
The art is simply gorgeous. A mixed water colored and traditional
coloring helps give the book its own sense of style and grace … and every scene
is matched perfectly with tones that help set the mood and really draw you in.
Krekeler does a great job with his line work, giving just enough detail to his characters
and background to make them different but allows the colors and the inks help
his art achieve this vibrancy and originality. Krekeler’s panel work goes from
simple to outrageous, allowing readers to really keep a focus on the art while allow
it to tell its story in its own way. It is truly magnificent some of the panel
work when Tom is “under the influence;” allowing stunning art to really shine
through. Krekeler conveys emotion well, shows people in different sizes and
colors and really gives good perspectives. Really an outstanding job by
Krekeler.
WRITING:
The
issue was near perfection from start to finish. Drawing on series like “Watchman”
for an artistic opening with its opening page to its final panel, Krekeler
allows readers to get a great dose symbolism and authenticity. Krekeler speaks to the everyday man wishing
to be something more with Tom Ferris while also talking to those men and women
who think about their glory days. Krekeler uses the dream of always wanting to
be more and to be back at your highest point as driving forces for the issue,
allowing not only explanation on Tom’s actions but set up for the main plot of
the book as well.
Krekeler
constructs Tom Ferris to be a relatable character from when we first meet him
to his decision to go out with “the old gang” for a night out on the town.
Krekeler also reminds us the dangers of going back to our glory days; as old
vices might rear their ugly head as well but seamlessly ties it into the story
well. The distinct differences in Tom in his mundane life and Tom during the
end of the book are very obvious but are built upon well. Krekeler builds a
good supporting cast around Tom that already starts to pull at him in different
directions while also uses them to maintain a level of mystery. And while the
ends kind of stops the story more than ends it, overall, the first issue was
solid with great pacing and wonderful characters.
FINAL VERDICT:
FINAL VERDICT:
Honestly,
this was a great first issue. The art was spectacular. The writing was superb.
The characters were relatable and the premise seemed very authentic. I enjoyed
this first issue and really and looking forward to looking at Tom Ferris a bit
more, next issue. So, with that, I would
like to give Dry Spell # 1 a solid 4.5 out of 5.
