Trading Pages: New Releases for 12/11/24
Sleuths rejoice as killers and how to find them dominate the latest comic book trades hitting shelves. Here’s what’s new in this week’s Trading Pages.
While numerical scores are not provided, these collected editions are graded on a scale of: Must Read, Consider It, or Maybe Pass.
Sanction - Mad Cave Studios
At face value, it would be easy to see the plot of two detectives on different sides of morality operating in the confines of a Soviet-era police regime and wonder: Interesting, but who is this for? Fortunately, this mystery/thriller is in good hands with writer Ray Fawkes, illustrator Antonio Fuso, and colorist Emilio Lecce, and gives a tale of complex morals underlying the harsh landscape of Leningrad in the 1980s.
When a body is found near a river in what the police deem as one of the safest cities in Russia, Detectives Pavel Smirnoff and Boris Dimitrovich are assigned to the case. While Detective Smirnoff is more than happy to quickly close cases without remorse, Detective Dimitrovich’s attention to detail opens a wider conspiracy.
While this isn’t primarily a detective story, nor is it simply a drama, it leaves readers with a lingering question of what truly makes someone good or bad. Is the cut-throat character wrong if they save more lives? Or, should an idealist’s principles take precedence? These discussions of right and wrong are where the strengths of this comic lie and ultimately are what make it worth a read. Add the rough illustrations from Fuso that fit the tone of the comic with Lecce’s moody color palettes, and readers are given a unique story of morals hidden behind a tale of hunting a serial killer.
Verdict: Consider It
The One Hand & the Six Fingers - Image Comics
A good detective story often has a slow burn and The One Hand & the Six Fingers burns so good. With its futuristic setting, this comic follows Ari Nassar—a famous detective who has caught the “One Hand” serial killer twice. Now, it appears either the killer has returned, or a copycat has become inspired to haunt Detective Nassar.
This grand story takes its time with its narrative, and the collected edition is a whopping 300+ pages worth of story and content. Powerhouse doesn’t begin to describe the creative team, with the story being written by Ram V & Dan Watters, with art by Laurence Campbell & Sumit Kumar, colors by Lee Loughridge, and lettering done by Aditya Bidikar.
In addition to the immersive story, the creative team plays with storytelling style as V and Watters alternate which side of the story is being told—the cop or the killer. This unique style keeps readers hooked for a read that is not to be missed.
Verdict: Must Read
Pine & Merrimac - Boom Studios
Don’t let its cartoonish art style fool you, Pine & Merrimac is very much a mature read and provides a solid murder mystery with two of the most charming characters in the “thriller” genre.
Written by Kyle Starks with art by Fran Galán and letters by Pat Brosseau, the story may take place in a small town, but is full of conspiracy. It doesn’t steer away from being a bloody experience and is complete with moments of shock and awe as readers follow two private investigators obsess with finding a missing girl.
One Aspect that made this worth a read is related to the characters of Linnea and Parker Kent. Starks crafts such a strong chemistry between the married couple and while there is an endearing element to them, it also adds a layer of tension as readers begin to realize there is a danger that lurks around the loving Kents.
Verdict: Consider It