BUZZKILL review
(Reviewed by Melody Werner)
Buzzkill is a 4 issue long comic series from 2014, published by Dark Horse Comics before being republished by the superior Image Comics in 2018. Co-written by Donny Cates and Mark Reznicek, illustrated by Geoff Shaw, it's about a superhero who gains superhuman abilities based on substances he abuses. But after a massive battle in which many civilians died, he hangs up the cape. It's a drama/tragedy/comedy which is a self-contained story, a beginning, middle, and end. After I heard about this, I decided to finally check it out. And holy shit is this a good series.
The art is pretty good, it's got that sketchy look to it, it's very grindy and ultra-violent. It's also very easy to follow along with, it flows very well visually when reading. The character designs are all extremely cool, though some don't get much usage, which is fine. The action is pretty badass and it has the aforementioned visceral edge which I'm always fond of. Lauren Affe's colors suit the book well, and elevate the visuals. The cover art is all pretty awesome, if you like having some nice covers.
The plot is quite clever, with some intriguing twists and turns which can catch you off-guard. The pacing is perfect for all intents and purposes, it's never dull or feels like it's skimping on any of the interesting stuff, which can be a problem with shorter titles such as this if not properly spread out. The characters are all colorful and interesting. The comedy is excellent, there's a lot of good laughs to be had but there's also a lot of heavier moments, it's never too silly or too melancholic, it strikes a balance. The dialogue is great, and the banter is really fun as well. The emotional moments have great impetus behind them. The conclusion has a strong amount of finality which is pointed and satisfying.
I struggle to find qualms with Buzzkill, it's an extremely good title. I definitely suggest checking it out if you haven't already. It's beauty in its brevity, and definitely worth giving some of your time to. Never outstaying its welcome or feeling too light on substance, you can't go wrong with reading Buzzkill. Buzzkill gets a 9.5/10. It's not a 10/10 just because the art isn't strong enough to carry it there, but it's no reason not to read it, as it is good, just not great or wonderful.
Must-read
Summary:
There are no real problems I can wring from Buzzkill, it's definitely a one and done title, but it's also masterfully done and one of those experiences you can only get from a comic book. The incredible plot, characters, comedy, dialogue, banter, pacing are all supplemented by nice art, action, character designs, and covers. If you want something mature and unique, you have no reason not to read Buzzkill.
(originally posted: 2/18/2017)
Buzzkill is a 4 issue long comic series from 2014, published by Dark Horse Comics before being republished by the superior Image Comics in 2018. Co-written by Donny Cates and Mark Reznicek, illustrated by Geoff Shaw, it's about a superhero who gains superhuman abilities based on substances he abuses. But after a massive battle in which many civilians died, he hangs up the cape. It's a drama/tragedy/comedy which is a self-contained story, a beginning, middle, and end. After I heard about this, I decided to finally check it out. And holy shit is this a good series.
The art is pretty good, it's got that sketchy look to it, it's very grindy and ultra-violent. It's also very easy to follow along with, it flows very well visually when reading. The character designs are all extremely cool, though some don't get much usage, which is fine. The action is pretty badass and it has the aforementioned visceral edge which I'm always fond of. Lauren Affe's colors suit the book well, and elevate the visuals. The cover art is all pretty awesome, if you like having some nice covers.
The plot is quite clever, with some intriguing twists and turns which can catch you off-guard. The pacing is perfect for all intents and purposes, it's never dull or feels like it's skimping on any of the interesting stuff, which can be a problem with shorter titles such as this if not properly spread out. The characters are all colorful and interesting. The comedy is excellent, there's a lot of good laughs to be had but there's also a lot of heavier moments, it's never too silly or too melancholic, it strikes a balance. The dialogue is great, and the banter is really fun as well. The emotional moments have great impetus behind them. The conclusion has a strong amount of finality which is pointed and satisfying.
I struggle to find qualms with Buzzkill, it's an extremely good title. I definitely suggest checking it out if you haven't already. It's beauty in its brevity, and definitely worth giving some of your time to. Never outstaying its welcome or feeling too light on substance, you can't go wrong with reading Buzzkill. Buzzkill gets a 9.5/10. It's not a 10/10 just because the art isn't strong enough to carry it there, but it's no reason not to read it, as it is good, just not great or wonderful.
Must-read
Summary:
There are no real problems I can wring from Buzzkill, it's definitely a one and done title, but it's also masterfully done and one of those experiences you can only get from a comic book. The incredible plot, characters, comedy, dialogue, banter, pacing are all supplemented by nice art, action, character designs, and covers. If you want something mature and unique, you have no reason not to read Buzzkill.
(originally posted: 2/18/2017)
Comments
Post a Comment